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As temperatures get colder, fire departments are pushing for the safety of firebox heaters

INDIANAPOLIS – Ramon Rodriguez looks at the remains of his auto body shop and home.

“Blank, I don’t really know what to do from here,” Rodriguez told WRTV on Tuesday.

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IFD

Fire officials say his East Side store is near 21st Street and Massachusetts Avenue went up in flames Monday evening.

Flames could be seen on an INDOT camera from I-70.

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WRTV

Fire officials say the fire started after an oil heater used by workers to keep warm in the workshop was accidentally mixed with gasoline instead of oil. Investigators believe it was an accident.

“We often respond to fires that are caused by space heaters being too close to flammable materials,” said IFD Battalion Chief Rita Reith.

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IFD

As temperatures outside are expected to drop, many are turning up the heat indoors.

Fire officials are urging people to take necessary precautions when using a space heater.

PREVIOUS | Fire destroys two stores and claims the lives of a dog and five puppies on the east side

“Connect the space heater directly to the wall, do not use an extension cord, and do not use a space heater to wall mechanism,” Battalion Chief Reith told WRTV.

The fire resulted in the destruction of two businesses: El Palomar Auto Body Repair and Granite Customs. Tragically, a dog and five puppies died in the incident.

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WRTV

“Anything you can think of that could easily burn or catch fire, make sure it is kept away from the space heater and within a 3-foot clear radius,” Battalion Chief Reith said.

According to IFD, there were no working smoke detectors in the building.

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