Fire that claimed woman’s life started by space heater

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A house fire Wednesday morning that killed a woman was caused by a space heater, according to the Columbia-Richland Fire Department

Fire officials said the blaze at the home at 2118 Morninglo Lane started when heat from a space heater in the living room ignited a nearby chair. The fire intensified and the woman, identified by Richland County Coroner Gary Watts as Cathleen Dowdeswell, 67, died from smoke inhalation and carbon monoxide poisoning.

Fire crews responded to the home about 1:10 a.m. Wednesday and quickly put out the blaze, which was mostly contained in the home’s living room. Dowdeswell was found in the room, and there were no other people in the home. The home sustained about $26,000 in damage.

According to the National Fire protection Association, heating equipment like space heaters and fireplaces, caused 66,1000 fires resulting in 480 deaths in 2008. The Fire Department recommends making sure space heaters are at least 3 feet away from anything that might catch fire, like paper or fabric.

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Friday, Feb. 10, 2012

Friday, Feb. 10, 2012

-- R. Darren Price, Kelly Davis

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Friday, Feb. 10, 2012

Friday, Feb. 10, 2012

Fire that claimed woman’s life started by space heater

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-- R. Darren Price, Kelly Davis

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