Fire Blamed On Space Heater Placed Too Close To Wall

A space heater sparked a fire that damaged a Spokane Valley home early Tuesday.

Investigators said a small kerosene heater was left too close to the wall and other combustible material, igniting the fire at 7206 E. Euclid at about 2 a.m.

Fire Marshall Paul Chase said the fire is the first of its kind this season, and could have been prevented.

“As a rule of thumb, whatever it’s heating against, if you can’t keep your hand there because it’s too hot, it’s too close” he said.

The fire started in the kitchen of a home owned by Vince Norman and spread to the living room. By the time firefighters arrived, smoke had filled the house and was pouring from the attic.

Smoke damaged the entire house, but firefighters were able to limit the damage caused by the fire to the kitchen, living room and back porch.

Damages were estimated at $15,000. Norman, 35, was insured.

As temperatures dip below freezing, more and more people will be dusting off their space heaters, marking the beginning of a dangerous time of the year. Firefighters encounter a handful of fires caused by the misuse of portable space heaters every year, Chase said.

He urged residents to use caution when setting up their heaters and follow the manufacturers directions on placement of a heater if they have any questions about exact safe distances.

Chase also asked residents to check cords on electric heaters to make sure they are not frayed.

“They all have some risks,” Chase said. “Usually (fire prevention) involves not getting something up against (the heater), but with kerosene and propane, you need some extra ventilation.”

Keeping windows cracked open and room doors open throughout the house will help prevent the buildup of flammable gases not burned by the heater.

“They burn very efficiently, but they are not totally efficient,” Chase said.

, DataTimes