YORK COUNTY, Pa. — Four people have been displaced and one cat died following a house fire in Springettsbury Township on Wednesday morning. According to officials, the fire was accidental and traced back to a portable space heater in a bedroom.
The early morning fire left the home uninhabitable and displaced two adult sisters and two children, who are receiving aid from the Red Cross.
Multiple crews were dispatched to the house on the 200 block of S. Royal Street in Springettsbury Township at 5:21 a.m. on Jan. 26. According to a media release from the York Area United Fire & Rescue, the first units arrived to the house within four minutes.
Four cats were also inside at the time of the fire. One cat was found dead, and the condition of the other three are not known at this time.
York Area United Fire & Rescue listed these fire safety tips to keep all residents and their homes safe:
- Portable space heaters should only be used to supplement your existing home heating system.
- Always plug a portable space heater directly into a wall outlet, never use an extension cord. Never cover a cord or extension cord with rugs, clothing or any other combustibles.
- Be sure to keep clothing, furniture and other combustible items at least 3 feet from your portable heater.
- If you must use a portable space heater, be sure that it is UL listed, and keep it clean at all times.
- Check your smoke alarms to make certain they are functional.
