3 Fires In 4 Days Result Of Space Heaters

The Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department has battled three fires in four days, and while they're all still under investigation, it appears the cause in all three was a portable heater.

On Wednesday, paramedics rushed an infant to the hospital after a Northside home caught fire.

On Friday, a 52-year-old man died inside a Westside home.

And in south metro on Saturday, a 71-year-old woman and a 12-year-old girl died in a fire.

All three of the fires may have started from a heater, but they also have something else in common. Investigators said none of the homes had working smoke detectors and that could have saved their lives.

"Because the working smoke detector will give you that advantage of notification before the conditions in your home reach the point of no return," one firefighter said.

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Having smoke detectors that work is the most important thing firefighters want people to take away from this story.

Second, they said if you have a space heater, you should know how to safely use it.

Keep it at least 3 feet away from drapes, rugs, comforters and sofas and anything else that could catch fire.

Never leave it on when you leave the room or go to sleep.

If it's a fuel-burning space heater, never refill it in your home or while it's on.

For help with receiving and installing a smoke detector, call 904-630-CITY.

State Leaders Publicize Program To Avoid Space Heaters

Three state legislators and other local leaders are publicizing a program designed to help families stay warm without using potentially dangerous space heaters in response to a recent rash of tragic fires caused by them.

State Reps. Audrey Gibson and Mia Jones and state Sen. Tony Hill gathered at a church Tuesday to raise awareness of a free offer for weatherization.

Federal money is available to help low income families make their homes more energy efficient and warmer in the winter.

The weatherization services are offered through the Northeast Florida Community Action Agency and are available free to families with incomes below 200 percent of the poverty line.

If you'd like to find out if you are eligible, call the agency at 904-398-7472, ext. 218.