April 2, 2001

PRESS RELEASE

To: Newsroom

For Immediate Release

Contact: Brian A. Crawford, Public Information Officer

Phone: 673-6652, cell: 455-2609, page: 675-2137

Gas Heater Causes Queensborough Fire

An open flame gas space heater is being labeled as the cause of an afternoon fire that heavily damaged a Queensborough residence. Firefighters responding to 2916 Alabama Avenue just before 1:00 p.m. found the front of the single story home fully involved in flames upon their arrival. The home’s owner and only occupant at the time of the blaze, Barbara Johnson, 47, had escaped to safety before fire crews arrived.

Firefighters from the department’s Fair Grounds and Greenwood Road stations attacked the fire and finally brought it under control at 1:20 p.m. Johnson told investigators that she was in the kitchen, which was located in the back of the structure, when she noticed smoke coming from the front of the home. When Johnson went to investigate, she found her bedroom ablaze. Investigators have determined than a gas space heater left on in the room was the cause of the fire.

No injuries to civilians or firefighters were reported. The home’s fire and smoke damage is listed as heavy. Fire officials caution about leaving space heaters, particularly open flame heaters, unattended in rooms. They also caution about placing household combustibles, like clothing or newspapers near the heaters. ###