Space heater sparked deadly Palatine fire

Authorities say improper use of a space heater is to blame for a fire last week that killed a 78-year-old Palatine woman and injured her son.

Hazel J. Keisler was pronounced dead as a result of smoke inhalation after fire broke out Thursday night in her residence on the 300 block of Slade Street. Her son was rescued by firefighters and treated at the scene for smoke inhalation.

Palatine Deputy Fire Chief Patrick Gratzianna said Monday that investigators determined the fire was caused by a space heater that had been placed too close to combustible materials.

With cold weather arriving, many will be turning to space heaters to provide some extra warmth. And that can mean an additional fire hazard around the home.

"Follow manufacturer's instructions and make sure it's kept away from combustibles like paper, newspapers, furniture and draperies," Gratzianna said. "And make sure it's turned off when unattended."

A gofundme page has been set up at www.gofundme.com/hazel-keisler?ssid=804201427&pos=17 to raise money for funeral costs for Keisler, as well as to find a new home for her son who, according to the page, is disabled.