Space heater blamed for Mount Prospect apartment fire

Authorities say a malfunctioning space heater is to blame for a fire Saturday that caused an estimated $75,000 damage to a Mount Prospect apartment building.

Mount Prospect firefighters called to the three-story building at 1723 Chariot Court arrived at 11:10 a.m. Saturday to find smoke and fire from an apartment on the top floor.

The fire was brought under control in about 15 minutes and no one was injured, according to the fire department. Mount Prospect's Human Services Department and the Red Cross assisted displaced residents of the building.

"A quick response and an aggressive interior attack by our firefighters led to this fire being brought under control with limited damage to the apartment building," Fire Chief John Malcolm said. "As this fire demonstrates, space heaters can be dangerous. Residents should follow space heater guidelines and recognize the fire risk that space heaters pose."

Among the safety recommendations for space heaters: plug them directly into an outlet, don't use extension cords; use them only in well-ventilated areas and at least three feet from curtains, clothing or furniture; look for a space heater equipped with a guard around the heat source to keep children and pets safe.

Firefighters from Arlington Heights and Des Plaines assisted the Mount Prospect Fire Department with the fire.