Cause for Thanksgiving fire released

BLOOMFIELD, Ind. (WTHI) - Wabash Valley fire investigators said a kerosene heater started a Thanksgiving Day fire that sent two people to the hospital.

The home is a near total loss, but firefighters say the couple is lucky they weren't injured any worse than they were.

It all started Thanksgiving at 3:37 a.m. in Bloomfield, in Greene County. Firefighters arrived on the scene and saw heavy smoke pouring out of the doors and windows.

Kevin Deckard, 43, and his wife, Linny Deckard, 36, were both outside with second and third degree burns to their legs and feet.

Electricity had been shut off in the rental. Firefighters said it all started behind this front window in the living room. The cause was a kerosene heater.

"Extremely dangerous in a house, if you have material around them such as clothes, or paper products, or anything like that," said Bloomfield Assistant Fire Chief Chris Stahl. "And you need to remember to fill them outside. Don't burn your kerosene heater and fuel them from the inside of the residence."

Firefighters were on the scene for almost three hours. They said the living room and kitchen area were gutted by the fire. Plus, the overall building got severely damaged by smoke and water.

Both Deckards were taken to the Greene County General Hospital where they were treated and released. Fire investigators said they still have a few questions for the couple.