SAVANNAH, GA -
A space heater is being blamed for a mid-afternoon house
fire in the Ardsley Park area of Savannah.
Savannah firefighters were dispatched to 1221 E. 49th
St. around 3:30 p.m. Thursday on reports of smoke and flames coming from the
one-story, wood house. Firefighters observed smoke in the area as they arrived
on the scene, where they discovered the entire back of the residence engulfed
in flames.
Firefighters were able to extinguish the flames quickly and
contain the fire damage to the enclosed back porch. The main area of the house,
as well as the attic, sustained smoke and limited water damage.
No one was home at the time of the fire and there were no
injuries as a result of the blaze. Savannah Fire investigators have determined
that an unattended kerosene space heater is to blame for the fire.
Investigators say the space heater was left operational in close proximity to
flammable materials. One person was displaced as a result of the fire.
Savannah Fire
& Emergency Services reminds citizens to use extreme caution when operating
any type of space heater in their homes and businesses. Keeping fire safety and
prevention tips in mind can prevent damage and injuries. Use space heaters for
only short periods of time. Always place space heaters at least three feet from
anything that could potentially burn. Never leave space heaters unattended.
Never use
any type of fuel powered heating device inside a closed structure. Not only are
they a fire safety threat, but propane and kerosene powered heaters emit carbon
monoxide (an odorless gas) which can accumulate rapidly in an enclosed area and
have deadly results. Never use gasoline in any space heater.
Savannah Fire & Emergency Services offers free smoke
detectors and installation for homeowners within the City of Savannah. Savannah
firefighters also will perform home safety checks to help minimize fire dangers
in the home. Contact Savannah Fire & Emergency Services at 651-6756 to
schedule either of these services.
This report was provided by the Savannah Fire Department
