Propane Patio Heater Believed Cause Of Fire At Palos Park Home

PALOS PARK, IL — A small fire possibly caused by a propane patio heater Wednesday morning quickly extinguished at a home in Palos Park.

Around 10 a.m., the Palos Fire Protection District responded to a call of a fire in the 12700 block of Wolf Road. When firefighters arrived, a temporary wooden structure covered by a canvas tarp was on fire, said Chief Christopher Courtney, of the Palos Fire Protection District.

Workers on the scene told firefighters the blaze started with a portable patio heater. About six 20-pound propane tanks near the fire were releasing gas. Firefighters were able to quickly extinguish the fire and secure the scene.

Several blocks of Wolf Road were closed to traffic for about an hour as firefighters worked to put out the fire.

Neighbors told Patch they heard an explosion, but Courtney said reports of an explosion were still unconfirmed.

~ This story has been updated with new information.