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Space Heater Danger Highlighted In Stadium Fire

Posted at 1:47 PM, Jan 04, 2014
and last updated 2014-01-04 13:47:34-05

COMSTOCK PARK, Mich. – While the fire at 5/3 Ballpark remains under investigation, firefighters tell FOX 17 they have a good idea as to what sparked the blaze.

“One of the workers or employees were in one of the suites with a small space heater which started a small fire and they thought they had the fire out,” said Plainfield Township Assistant Chief Steve Mckellar.

According to Chief Mckellar the fire was not completely out and eventually spread to the walls and attic triggering alarms.  He said it’s a good illustration of what can happen with these devices.

“They are only good for temporary use,” he said.  “They should be supervised at all time, never left alone.”

Chief Mckellar said overuse can lead to disaster if the equipment is not consistently checked and monitored.

“Always inspect the cord on them because of the amount of electricity they draw,” he said.  “The chords can get heated up and deteriorate so you want to inspect them regularly when you use them.”

Firefighters also want to encourage people to contact the proper authorities if there is any suspicion that a fire thought to be extinguished is not all the way out or if there is a possibility that it could flare up again.