Storm Lake, IA (KICD)– Storm Lake fire officials are issuing a warning after a mobile home was destroyed by flames last week.
Firefighters responded to the scene on West 8th Street on Thursday where the home was found to be fully engulfed which was found to have been caused by improper use of a space heater in shed believed to be used for housing.
While working, fire crews also heard several small propane tanks explode due to excessive heat created by the blaze. A neighboring structure was also damaged.
Fire Chief Glenn Schlesser notes space heaters should not be used with an extension cord nor should they be left unattended. The National Fire Prevention Association cites space heaters being the cause of around 17 hundred fires a year while also being the culprits of 81 percent of fatal house fires caused by heat.