Propane Heater Fire In Petaluma Causes $18K In Damage

PETALUMA, CA — A Petaluma man was injured Wednesday when a portable propane heater caught fire inside an outbuilding. The Petaluma Fire Department responded at 4:15 p.m. Wednesday to reports of a structure fire at a residential property at Vallejo Street and Marin Way, where it was determined that the homeowner was trying to light the propane-fueled heater when it "flashed," igniting the contents of the building, a fire official said in a news release.

The outbuilding — located behind the man's residence — was fully involved in flames when crews arrived, said Mike Medeiros, a battalion chief for the Petaluma Fire Department.

"The homeowner was able to escape the fire with minor flash burns and was evaluated by paramedics at the scene," Medeiros said. "The fire was quickly brought under control by the first arriving engine."

Damage to the outbuilding and its contents was estimated at $18,000.

Firefighters kept the blaze from spreading to neighboring homes, outbuildings and the contents of those structures — a loss that could have totaled $1.8 million, according to the battalion chief.

No other injuries were reported, he said.

"The Petaluma Fire Department would like to remind people to use caution while trying to light propane heaters or any gas appliance in an enclosed area where there may be minimal air flow," Medeiros said.

Photos courtesy Petaluma Fire Department