Combustible Material Close to Propane Heater Exhaust Cause of Idyllwild Fire

A resident put out a structure fire with a garden hose early Thursday in Idyllwild and the cause was determined to be combustible material near a propane heater exhaust, Idyllwild fire officials said Monday.

The fire was reported at 12:59 a.m. Nov. 14 at a residence in the 54400 block of Strawberry Valley Drive, Idyllwild Fire Protection District personnel said in a statement.

Upon arrival firefighters found the fire had been extinguished by a resident, fire officials said. The resident was awake at the time and noticed the fire outside.

"The fire extended to the inside of the structure when the doors was opened by the resident to investigate the fire," Idyllwild Fire Protection District personnel said.

"The resident then used a garden hose to extinguish the fire."

Firefighters remained at the scene more than two hours checking for fire extension, extinguishing hotspots and investigating the fire.

"An investigation into the cause of the fire found that the fire was caused by combustible material too close to or in direct contact with an exterior exhaust assembly of a propane heater inside of the structure," Idyllwild Fire Protection District personnel said.

Damage was limited to an exterior wall and door of the structure, exterior roof over-hang, interior wall and ceiling area of one room, with minor water damage to one room and smoke damage throughout the structure, fire officials said.

The investigation also found no working smoke detectors in the residence. The people who live at the damaged home declined temporary housing, opting to remain at the residence.

"IFPD reminds everyone to have working smoke detectors and those that heat with wood and propane to have a working carbon monoxide detector," Idyllwild Fire Protection District personnel said. "Additionally, those managing and/or owning rental properties are required by law to provide and have working smoke and carbon monoxide detectors in the rental properties."

For more info about installation and maintenance of smoke and carbon monoxide detectors contact your local fire department.