INDIANAPOLIS --
Fire tore through a home on Indianapolis' north side early Sunday morning, underscoring the risk of using an oven or other alternative source for heat.
A shell was all that was left of the home at 38th and LaSalle streets,
reported.
Firefighters said the blaze began as two teens, ages 18 and 16, babysat their 2-year-old nephew.
"According to the boys, they were using the oven to heat the house," said Indianapolis fire Capt. Rita Reith. "At one point, the oven caught on fire."
Everyone made it out of the home safely, but the fire is a stark reminder of the dangers inherent to this time of year in homes that don't utilize conventional heating sources.
As temperatures dip into the 30s and 40s, the problem becomes more prevalent. Firefighters said using the oven is the worst possible way to heat a home.
"It is never a good idea to use anything as a heating source that's not intended for that purpose," Reith said.
People who use alternative heating sources usually do so because their power or gas has been shut off. Given the economic environment, the situations this year isn't expected to be any different.
"We have an unemployment rate of around 10 percent, so we know a lot of people will need assistance," said Dan Considine, of Citizens Gas.
Energy assistance is available through both the gas company and Indianapolis Power and Light.
Fire officials also encourage everyone to have working smoke detectors.
"It's very important that when you get the smoke detector ... put it up where it's supposed to go," said Indianapolis fire Capt. Fred Purvine. "It may save your life."
A smoke detector is available for free at most fire stations to anyone who can't afford to buy one.
Firefighters will be going door-to-door to hand out smoke detectors beginning Monday morning at Station 27 on East 10th Street.
Fire Sparked By Oven Guts Home
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