A Costa Mesa family lost their pet in a fire on December 27, 2008, which officials say was caused by a space heater. According to a CBS News report, the fire broke out in the rear unit of a residential duplex on the 200 block of Magnolia Street. The residents and their guests were uninjured and were able to make it out of the house, but the family’s dog was killed in the fire.

Costa Mesa fire officials say the space heater certainly caused the blaze, but they are trying to look at whether the heater had been placed too close to any flammable materials or whether the space heater was defective or malfunctioning. Investigators are estimating the damage from the fire at $450,000, which includes a vehicle in the garage.

What a nightmare for this family and their guests, especially during the holidays! I’m sorry they lost their pet in this fire, but I’m also relieved that no one in that household was seriously injured or burned in the fire. This could have turned out a lot worse.

The danger of defective space heaters is quite well documented. More than 100 deaths a year may be attributed to unsafe or misused space heaters, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. I would strongly urge this family to consult with an Orange County product defect attorney, who has experience dealing with space heater fire cases. If I were representing this family, I would also want the space heater to be preserved in its current damaged state so that it can be examined by experts for evidence of product defect or malfunction.

In these freezing temperatures, please be careful if you are using space heaters. Please visit the CPSC’s Website (www.cpsc.gov) to make sure that the space heater you are using is not on a list of recalled or defective products. Also, please remember, that when you use space heaters, they must be placed at least three feet away from bedding, furniture and drapes.