Tyler

The high cost of natural gas was the reason a Tyler family gave fire investigators Monday morning as to why a mattress was pushed close to a fireplace.

The mattress caught fire early Monday morning, but firefighters were able to arrive at the home in the 500 block of South Spring Avenue quickly and prevent the fire from spreading.

Tyler Fire Investigator James Suggs said the family told him they were using the fireplace to heat the home because they could not afford to use the natural gas.

District Fire Chief Tom Moon said he was afraid with the rising costs of fuel there could be more fires.

“I’m afraid we will see more of these fires as we move into colder weather,” he said.

Tyler firefighters worked two other fires Monday, but one in the 600 block of North Northwest Loop 323 caused a traffic backup as three southbound lanes were closed as firefighters extinguished a fire in a home that was being remolded.

“Whether it is a fireplace or a stove or space heater, don’t leave a flame unattended. If you do, you’re asking for trouble,” he said. “That is the cause for all of these fires we were on today.”

Suggs said the fire on Spring Avenue did minor damage as did a fire on Harmon Street, but the fire on the loop did significant damage to the home.

“It is mostly cosmetic damage, but there is quite a bit and it can be fixed,” Suggs said at the scene Monday afternoon.

Hukill warned citizens to use caution with fireplaces and space heaters and to watch putting anything that could catch fire quickly too close to the sources of heat.

“With people seeking alternative ways to heat their homes, we may see more fires than we are used to seeing,” he said. “If you have a fire going on, do not leave it unattended.”