Fire Investigators believe that a two-alarm apartment fire at 4200 S.W. 107^th Avenue in Beaverton on April 13 was accidental in nature. Thirty-one year old, Sergio Garcia, and his two young children, who were sleeping at the time of the fire, narrowly escaped from their apartment. After several interviews with the Garcia family and time spent processing fire scene evidence, fire investigators have narrowed the likely cause of the fire to either a halogen torchiere lamp or baseboard heater.

According to Sergio’s wife, Rachel, she had turned on the lamp for about five minutes before leaving for work. The lamp, which was in the children’s bedroom, was next to a drying rack that had towels and clothing draped over it at the time of the fire. Investigators believe it is likely that the halogen bulb ignited the combustibles on the drying rack. (Halogen torchiere floor lamps are freestanding lamps with a shallow bowl-shaped light fixture mounted on top of a 6-foot pole. They are illuminated by a tubular halogen bulb that operates at temperatures much hotter than regular light bulbs. According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), torchiere lamps have been responsible for at least 189 fires and 11 deaths since 1992.)

Fire investigators are also looking closely at the baseboard heater in the children’s bedroom. In addition to a bed pushed up against the heater, fire investigators found an aerosol can of spray starch wedged under the heating device. A warning label on the can read, "Keep from high temperatures and flame." With night temperatures dropping into the 30’s, the baseboard may have kicked on and ignited either the bedspread or can of spray starch. TVF&R reminds individuals to keep combustibles at least 3 feet away from heating equipment.

The incident serves as a timely reminder for Recall Round-Up 2001. Sponsored by CPSC on Saturday, April 21, Recall Round-Up 2001 encourages individuals to reduce fire hazards in their home by removing hazardous products like non-child resistant lighters, frayed extension cords, hair dryers without built-in shock absorbers, and halogen torchiere lamps without a wire guard. Individuals can call (503) 823-3616 for more information on recalled items and to identify the nearest collection site for recalled products. Media wanting more information about Recall Round-Up 2001 should contact Joe Burchyski, of CPSC, at (503) 699-2002.

###