Oklahoma City, OK – A southwest Oklahoma City family is fortunate to have escaped a potentially deadly house fire after an attempt to prevent their pipes from freezing went horribly wrong. The fire, which broke out in the home’s garage, serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of improper space heater use during the winter months.
According to Scott Douglas, a representative from the Oklahoma City Fire Department (OKCFD), the family had placed two space heaters in their garage in an effort to prevent their pipes from freezing amid the cold weather. Unfortunately, the heaters were positioned too close to combustible materials, which quickly caught fire, sending thick smoke and flames throughout the home.
“There was an enormous amount of smoke coming from the residence,” Douglas reported. “The family was trying to keep their pipes from freezing, but they placed the space heaters too close to items that could burn, leading to a dangerous situation.”
Firefighters arrived at the scene near Southwest 59th Street and Villa and were immediately confronted with a wall of flames. Despite the severity of the fire, both individuals inside the home at the time were able to escape unharmed. However, the fire caused significant damage to the property, illustrating just how quickly an accident can escalate when safety precautions are not followed.
The Oklahoma City Fire Department is urging residents to exercise caution when using space heaters. Douglas emphasized that one of the most common mistakes made during winter is placing these heaters too close to flammable materials, such as clothing, paper, or furniture.
“There’s a lot of misinformation, and people often underestimate the hazards posed by space heaters,” Douglas said. “These heaters should always be kept at least three feet away from anything that can burn, and they should be plugged directly into the wall. Extension cords should never be used, as they increase the risk of electrical failure and fire.”
In addition to these precautions, the Fire Department is advising Oklahomans to always unplug space heaters when not in use.
This incident highlights the importance of maintaining fire safety at home, especially during colder months when space heaters are commonly used. Fire experts urge residents to remain vigilant and to follow safety guidelines to prevent similar tragedies from occurring in the future.
