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Firefighters survey the damage after extinguishing an early morning fire.
Two Golden Valley residents are fortunate to be alive this morning after a propane heater being used inside a home on Horse Mesa Drive appeared to malfunction at 5:50 a.m. Thursday morning. Fire Chief Tom O’Donohue said the residents were using a propane heater reportedly approved for inside use when the resident heard a popping sound. The couple discovered fire had erupted around the neck of the propane tank, so they quickly moved the flaming tank and heater outside the home where the venting mechanism released, causing a rapid release of propane. The fire spread from the tank and ignited the exterior of the home and extended into a bedroom window. One neighbor came and used a garden hose to help extinguish the fire, keeping the fire extension to a minimum while firefighters were called. While Chief O’Donohue discourages untrained persons from fighting fire in such dangerous circumstances, “the neighbor really helped contain the fire” he said. The propane tank and heater have been taken as evidence as part of the fire investigation. The owner of the home was transported to KRMC for evaluation after the fire. Fire official warn not to use heating appliances inside any enclosed space that is not specifically approved due to the threat of fire and carbon monoxide poisoning.
