January 5, 2010 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (SH2010-01) FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION R. Steve Huffman Public Information Officer (251) 208-2857/Fax: (251) 208-2861 E-Mail: huffman@cityofmobile.org HOUSE FIRE CAUSED BY HEATER Mobile Firefighters responded to a house fire located at 854 Pettus Street in the early morning hours of Tuesday, January 5. The call was received at approximately 1:49 a.m. and firefighters arrived on the scene at approximately 1:53 a.m. reporting heavy smoke and fire coming from the single-story, wood frame structure. The fire originated in a front bedroom and appears to have been caused by a kerosene fueled space heater. The occupant attempted to fight the fire but it spread beyond his control. The family of five (two adults and three children) escaped unharmed. There were no reported injuries. The fire caused an estimated $50 thousand in damage to the structure and contents. Engines 2, 3, 11, truck 4, rescue 3, and District Chief Frank Byrd responded to the call. The Bureau of Fire Prevention is investigating. Portable and space heaters can be either electric or fueled by gas. - Space heaters need space! They should be given a three (3) foot clearance all the way around the heater. Everything that could burn should be kept clear of this area. - Plug electric portable space heaters directly into wall sockets, not into an extension cord and unplugged them when not in use. - Be sure not to overload electrical circuits. - Turn portable heaters off and unplug them before leaving home or when going to bed. - Never leave children or pets unattended with space heaters. - Be sure everyone understands that drying clothes or placing combustibles over heaters is a fire hazard. - Check electric space heater each season for fraying or splitting wires and overheating. - Avoid using electric space heaters in bathrooms, other areas where they may come in contact with water. ###