Attempt to light kerosene heater ends in explosion, house fire in Preble County

Credit: DaytonDailyNews

The investigation continues, but an attempt to light a kerosene heater is being reported as the cause of an explosion and house fire in the 100 block of Coleman Avenue in the Preble County village of Gratis.

A woman occupant and a second resident were taken to hospitals, said Assistant Chief Patrick Caplinger, Gratis Fire Department.

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The woman, who is pregnant, jumped from a window to escape the flames.

The woman’s sister, Krysten Allen of Urbana, said her sibling was taken to University of Cincinnati Medical Center by CareFlight for burns to her face and body. Her condition was not immediately available.

The second resident was the pregnant woman’s mother, who was not seriously injured.

Allen said her sibling’s children were staying elsewhere with relatives.

Assistant Chief Caplinger said the explosion and fire caused extensive damage to the first floor and there was smoke and water damage to the second floor. The house is being boarded up because it’s not livable, the assistant chief said.

Crews were dispatched about 7:15 p.m. Wednesday to Coleman Avenue on a report of a kerosene explosion and house fire.

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