Space heater may have caused house fire

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) - An Indianapolis man is in critical condition in Wishard Hospital's burn unit after a fire in his home on the city's west side Tuesday morning.

It happened at 1808 Wilcox Street, and investigators think a space heater may be to blame.

The victim is 47-year-old Michael Sanders. His brother Ronnie Sanders, lives a few houses down on Wilcox, and saw neighbors try to rescue his brother.

"The guy across the street seen it burning and they tried to kick the back door in to get him out," Ronnie said. "But they couldn't get in. The smoke was too heavy."

Indianapolis Fire Department Captain Rita Reith said Sanders didn't have a pulse after firefighters pulled him from the front of the house.

"It was apparent that he tried to make his way out of the house and he collapsed at the front door," Reith said.

Medics administered CPR at the scene and were able to get Sanders' pulse and blood pressure going again.

Investigators found a space heater inside the house.

Citizens Gas said Sanders' gas had been cut off because he was behind on his bills.

"The customer had received repeated disconnect notices and the customer had received energy assistance the past two winters," said Citizens Gas spokesperson Dan Considine. "But for whatever reason, this winter the customer hadn't called either us or Community Action."

Community Action of Greater Indianapolis and Citizens Gas provide grants for some customers who are unable to pay their bills.

Coincidentally, Citizens Gas is sending out a safety brochure with its November bills. Part of that brochure focuses on space heater safety.

Citizens Gas customers in Marion County who are looking for help with their bills can call (317) 927-4798.

Community Action of Greater Indianapolis can also help Marion County residents. Its number is (317) 524-6966.

People outside Marion County can call Connect to Help at 211.