Electric Heater Blamed For Washington County House Fire

Officials say an electric heater is likely to blame for an Ochelata house fire early Friday.

Firefighters arrived to find fire and smoke coming from the back of the home just off Highway 75 on county road 2400.

Two people in the home were already outside when they arrived. Firefighters said the homeowner used a fire extinguisher to try to put out the fire, but it got out of control and he had to get out.

Firefighters said the heater was located in a back room. They said fighting the fire was a challenge due to a poor water supply in the rural area.