---
title: "Space Heater Blamed in Fatal West Side Fire in Detroit"
url: https://www.heredetroitmi.com/2026/10/20/space-heater-blamed-fatal-west-side-fire-detroit-safety-tips/
date: 2026-10-20T06:49:33-04:00
modified: 2026-10-20T06:49:33-04:00
author: "Ravi Stokes"
categories: ["Public Safety"]
site: "HERE Detroit"
attribution: "HERE Detroit"
---

# Space Heater Blamed in Fatal West Side Fire in Detroit

> DETROIT, Mich. — A space heater placed too close to things that could burn started the house fire that killed a 69-year-old man on Detroit’s west side Sunday, the Detroit Fire Department said Monday as it urged residents to heat their homes with care. Crews pulled up to find flames across the upper floor of

*Source: [HERE Detroit](https://www.heredetroitmi.com/2026/10/20/space-heater-blamed-fatal-west-side-fire-detroit-safety-tips/) — October 20, 2026 by Ravi Stokes*

DETROIT, Mich. — A space heater placed too close to things that could burn started the house fire that killed a 69-year-old man on Detroit’s west side Sunday, the Detroit Fire Department said Monday as it urged residents to heat their homes with care.

Crews pulled up to find flames across the upper floor of the house, near the corner of Winthrop Street and Florence Avenue. The department’s Fire Investigation Division traced the cause to the heater.

Fire Marshal Don Thomas laid out several precautions. Space heaters should be plugged straight into a wall outlet rather than an extension cord or power strip, their cords should be checked for damage, and they should be shut off overnight and kept clear of anything flammable.

Officials also want a working smoke alarm on every floor and in every room, along with a family escape plan. Residents who need an alarm can request one through the department’s community relations team.

Carbon monoxide is the other cold-weather worry. Detroit firefighters answered more than 700 calls for sounding alarms in 2025, and the department advises having furnaces checked and placing detectors near bedrooms.