Space heater blamed for house fire

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A fire believed to have been started by a space heater sent one man to the hospital and displaced his family members. Firefighters were called to the home at 25 Twin Oaks Lane on Dec. 18 at 11:15 p.m. The caller informed the county emergency dispatch center that the fire was in a bedroom and that everyone had safely exited the residence. The first fire crew on the scene reported that smoke was coming from the singlewide mobile home and fire was visible through a bedroom window. Firefighter-paramedics deployed two hand lines to the building and were met with heavy fire conditions as flames shot out of a utility room as they attempted to enter the home through a rear door. The crews were able to quickly knock down the flames and enter the structure, containing the fire to the bedroom. The remainder of the home suffered smoke and heat damage, but many personal items, including Christmas gifts were saved. The master bedroom and adjacent utility room received substantial damage. The occupant advised she was awakened by a popping sound, just prior to the smoke alarms alerting. She found the bedroom on fire near a space heater. She woke the other occupants, gathered a baby from another room and all of them safely exited the home into the 25-degree night. They sat in a vehicle to stay warm. Firefighter-paramedics treated an adult male for respiratory problems resulting from smoke inhalation. He was transported in stable condition to Colleton Medical Center by ambulance. Fire crews had the fire under control within 20 minutes and were on the scene for two-and-a-half hours performing overhaul. The water to battle the flames was supplied by tenders shuttling water to the scene. The fire appears to have started near a space heater in the master bedroom. It was one of four space heaters in use at the residence. The Red Cross is assisting the family.