Stove Used As Heater Sparks Wednesday Tulsa Apartment Fire

A pan of grease on a stove is being blamed for a fire which damaged a Tulsa apartment early Wednesday morning near the University of Tulsa campus.

It happened at the College Park Apartments at 10th and Birmingham.

Tulsa Fire says the apartment's residents were using the burners on the electric range to heat the apartment.  That ignited some grease in a nearby pan. The flames quickly spread throughout the kitchen.

Tulsa Fire says the apartment sustained severe damage from the fire.

There were two adults and three children in the apartment.  Firefighters had to treat two family members for smoke inhalation, but neither was transported to the hospital.

Tulsa Fire officials say stoves and ovens are not designed to heat an apartment or a home. 

They say that if you must use an alternative heater, make sure they are UL listed and in good operating condition.

Also keep all combustibles at least 3 feet away from a heat source.