Space Heaters Eyed In Probe Of Western Md. Fire
CUMBERLAND, Md. (AP) -- Investigators say a family in Cumberland was using oil-filled space heaters to heat a house that burned over the weekend, killing three women.
The Office of the State Fire Marshal said Wednesday that gas to the residence had been shut off two weeks earlier because a wall-mounted gas space heater was leaking.
Investigators say the victims were using electric, oil-filled space heaters to stay warm until the gas unit could be repaired.
Kellie Appold, 45, Delores Crawford, 66, and her daughter Ruth Ann Crawford, 36, died from smoke inhalation and burns Sunday morning.
Investigators say the fire originated in the first-floor living room. They say the blaze blocked the means of escape from the first floor.
Investigators found no evidence of smoke detectors in the home.
(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
