KAUKAUNA, WI (WTAQ) – Officials say a space heater in a bathroom likely started a fire at a Kaukauna home early this morning.
Firefighters were called to 210 Whitney St. around 1:30 a.m. for a report of smoke coming from a bathroom window.
The home occupant said he awoke from sleep to find heavy smoke and went to a neighbor’s house to call 911. The neighbor gave the home occupant a fire extinguisher to use to put some of the fire out.
When firefighters arrived, they finished putting out the flames.
The bathroom and adjourning areas of the home suffered major heat and smoke damage.
No injuries were reported.
Although a smoke detector was working effectively in the home, officials say the home occupant did not wake up from the smoke detector. The public is reminded to place smoke detectors between each sleeping area and the rest of the house.
Proper use of space heaters is also advised. Wisconsin Public Service says if you are using a space heater:
Use newer models with safety features like automatic shut-off
Keep them at least six feet away from flammable materials like drapes or blankets
Plug heaters directly into the wall, not into extension cords or power strips
Place the heater on a flat surface away from children and pets
Comments