SCHENECTADY — A structure fire in which a man was severely burned on Wednesday was caused by a space heater, fire officials said.
Firefighters were called to 945 Glendale Place at about 7 a.m. Wednesday. Neighbors helped rescue the resident, whom they knew as Ricky. He was sent to Westchester Medical Center’s burn unit for treatment. An update on his condition was unavailable Thursday.
Fire officials traced the cause to a space heater in the home’s bedroom. Investigators determined items that were placed too close to the heater caught fire, Assistant Fire Chief Michael Gillespie said.
Neighbors knew the home’s occupant, who is in his 60s or 70s, as a disabled veteran; they believed he served in Vietnam. He got around on crutches due to a missing leg, neighbors said. A ramp is built onto the front of the house, and an American flag was visible in a window on Wednesday.
Fire officials did not identify the man. Property records indicate the house is owned by Richard Batcher.
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Categories: News, Schenectady County
