Portable propane heater linked to fatal Winsted blaze

Portable propane heater linked to fatal Winsted blaze

Fire engulfed a barn in Pine Plains. N.Y. on Jan. 2.

Photo courtesy the Passeri Family

WINSTED — An early morning blaze that claimed the lives of a man and a dog at a Walnut Street residence Dec. 27 has been linked to a portable liquid propane heater fueled by two 20-pound LP tanks inside the home, according to Winchester Fire Marshal Steven Williams.

The case remains open pending positive identification of the victim from the deceased’s relatives and an official report from the chief medical examiner’s office, said Williams during a phone interview Jan. 4.

“The cause at this time is still under investigation by myself and the State Police Fire and Explosion Investigation Unit, but I will say that the deceased was utilizing a portable liquid propane heater in the home which was hooked up to some propane tanks” the size commonly used for outdoor grills and heaters, the fire marshal explained.

Williams explained that propane heaters consume oxygen and can be fatal if not ventilated correctly.

“He also had a kerosene heater in one of the hallways, but it wasn’t in use,” Williams said. “The state fire code doesn’t have a problem using them in single-family and two-family homes, but residences with three or greater dwellings, that’s where the fire code kicks in and prohibits the use of kerosene heaters.”

On the other hand, “portable LP [liquid propane] heaters,” the fire marshal said, “are not allowed under the fire code.” Those who choose to heat their homes with propane should only use units professionally installed, mounted to a wall and vented to the outdoors.

Two additional unrelated fires in early January kept Winsted firefighters scrambling. One involved a chimney fire caused by a build-up of creosote, and the other blaze at a garage-type structure on Perkins Street caused by a faulty electric motor in a furnace which seized up and ignited, said the Winchester fire marshal.

“In that situation, the fire department got there quickly so there was substantial smoke, but not a lot of damage done,” said Williams. “I’ve been to two fire situations this week, and I hope we don’t have any more.”

Latest News

Racecars roar in NASCAR’s return to Lime Rock Park

High-speed action made for a weekend of excitement at Lime Rock Park Friday and Saturday, June 27-28.

Photo by Simon Markow

LAKEVILLE — For the first time since 2011, Lime Rock Park hosted National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing events June 27 and 28.

It was billed as the largest event in modern track history with an estimated 20,000 fans attending.

Keep ReadingShow less
Joseph Robert Meehan

SALISBURY — Joseph Robert Meehan the 2nd,photographer, college professor and nearly 50 year resident of Salisbury, passed away peacefully at Noble Horizon on June 17, 2025. He was 83.

He was the son of Joseph Meehan the 1st and his mother, Anna Burawa of Levittown, New York, and sister Joanne, of Montgomery, New York.

Keep ReadingShow less
Florence Olive Zutter Murphy

STANFORDVILLE, New York — It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Florence Olive Zutter Murphy, who went home to be with the Lord on June 16, 2025, at the age of 99.

She was born in Sharon, Connecticut on Nov. 20, 1925, and was a long time resident of the Dutchess County area.

Keep ReadingShow less
Chore Service hosts annual garden party fundraiser

Chore Service hosted 250 supporters at it’s annual Garden Party fundraiser.

Bob Ellwood

On Saturday, June 21, Mort Klaus, longtime Sharon resident, hosted 250 enthusiastic supporters of Northwest Corner’s beloved nonprofit, Chore Service at his stunning 175-acre property. Chore Service provides essential non-medical support to help older adults and those with disabilities maintain their independence and quality of life in their own homes.

Jane MacLaren, Executive Director, and Dolores Perotti, Board President, personally welcomed arriving attendees. The well-stocked bar and enticing hors d’oeuvres table were popular destinations as the crowd waited for the afternoon’s presentations.

Keep ReadingShow less