December 10, 2008 - Space Heater Caused Early Morning Fire in Highland Community

Supplemental heat source caused a fire

A space heater used as a supplemental heat source caused a fire in the historic Highland Area community. This morning at 8:08 a.m., the Shreveport Fire Department responded to a house fire at 328 Washington Avenue. Firefighters were on scene within three minutes after the fire was reported to find flames coming from a window on the south side of the home. It took the fire less than 20 minutes to destroy one-third of the home.

Sabrina Albrite, 29, escaped unharmed and told investigators that she heard the smoke alarms sounding as she escaped from the home. According to Fire Investigator Rodney Murray, “The fire was caused by a space heater igniting curtains that were less than six inches from the heater. This fire is considered accidental but was preventable.” Murray added that smoke alarms might have played a part in her survival.

Kira Higginbotham, the owner has already relocated the family to another rental property and has donated a considerable amount of household items needed for this family.

Because of the sudden drop in temperatures, homeowners should be cautious when using supplemental heat sources when trying to keep warm. The Shreveport Fire Prevention Division offers the following tips to reduce preventable fires:

Safety Tips

• Have a working smoke alarm in every level of the home

• Develop a home evacuation plan and practice it

• Space heaters need space---space heaters should have three feet clearance of all combustibles

• Never splice an extension cord to add length to the power cord of a space heater
or any other appliance

• Do not overload a circuit when using an electric space heater and only use
extension cords that are rated to carry the amp load

• The use of an electric space heater in wet areas, such as bathrooms, can create an

electrical hazard

• If using a gas space heater and you smell a continuous odor natural gas, turn “off”
the heater. Call 911 and Reliant Arkla Gas

• A fireplace or chimney should be inspected annually and cleaned if necessary

• Furnaces and central heating units should be inspected and serviced by a licensed
HVAC technician, annually

• Never use a stove top, oven or range to heat your home; this could produce toxic
fumes that can kill