By Captain D.J. Corcoran
Knoxville (TN) Fire Department
Around 8:30 a.m. on Saturday, a man transported himself to the hospital after receiving first-degree burns to his face and arms when a propane heater burst into flames.
The man told Knoxville (TN) firefighters he may have cross threaded the propane cylinder on the portable heater, allowing gas vapors to fill the room’s atmosphere. When an open flame was introduced near the heater, the gas vapor ignited.
The house suffered significant fire damage to the living room with heat and smoke damage throughout. The resident will seek shelter with family members. No firefighters were injured.
Always use caution when operating any portable/alternative heat such as propane or kerosene, making sure to follow the manufacturer’s suggestions.
