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Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52401
Heat triggers false fire alarms at Iowa homes
Associated Press
Jul. 18, 2011 7:35 am
Authorities say it was so hot inside at least two northwest Iowa homes this weekend that their smoke detectors went off.
Le Mars authorities say the house walls were hot, but there wasn't any smoke or fire inside.
Le Mars Fire Chief David Schipper told Sioux City television station KTIV that to avoid such false alarms, residents should keep the air moving inside their homes and regulate the inside temperature.
Schipper says any smoke detector is susceptible to such false alarms, no matter how old or new it is. He also says alarms should be kept free of cobwebs and dust.
National Weather Service records say the Le Mars airport recorded a 93-degree high on Sunday.
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