A south Omaha family lost its home Thursday because of a fire they say was caused by a space heater that was left running.
Firefighters were called about 2 p.m. to Barbara Brun's home at 2445 S. 16th St. When they arrived, they saw smoke and flames shooting nearly 30 feet into the air.
Assistant Fire Marshal Jim Gentile said firefighters first attacked the blaze inside the house before pulling out due to unsafe circumstances.
Gentile said there was concern that the roof would collapse, and it did.
No one was injured in the fire. Two dogs were rescued from the house about 2:30 p.m. and were seen shortly after, safe and barking.
Once firefighters withdrew, they focused on preventing the blaze from spreading in either direction onto neighboring homes.
One witness said he was amazed that firefighters were able to contain the flames.
“These guys — wow,” said Larry Ferguson, owner of a nearby business, Ferguson Studios, who described seeing the 30-foot flames. “They are so slick.”
Brun said she and other family members had left the home to donate plasma about 11 a.m. A daughter in Sibley, Iowa, called her with the news that the house was on fire.
“I just wanted to come and get my dogs,” said Brun, draped in a Red Cross blanket and fighting back tears. “I didn't care about the house.”
Brun, 58, said the family will have to rely on the kindness of strangers now that the house is likely a total loss.
She said she has insurance, but family members are going to need clothing in the immediate future.
Authorities closed off 16th Street from Vinton to Castelar Streets. The fire was declared under control about 3:30 p.m.
Gentile said with winter approaching, people need to be careful with space heaters and furnaces.
He recommended that people use space heaters with automatic shutoffs and keep them at least 3 feet from combustibles.
Contact the writer:
402-444-1279, jason.kuiper@owh.com
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