Woman Dies After Space Heater Starts Fire

WILSON, N.C. — A woman died late Thursday after a kerosene heater sparked a fast-moving fire in her home, authorities said.

The woman, whose name had not been released Friday, was filling a kerosene heater when there was a small explosion and a flash of flames, authorities said. Fire spread quickly through her house at 903 Anthony St., authorities said.

Neighbors tried to help the woman, who authorities said was in her 30s, but  she had severe burns on 70 percent of her body by the time they got her out of the house, authorities said.

She died at Wilson Memorial Hospital.

A second fire several blocks away late Thursday caused no injuries, but damaged a home at 721 Crowell St., authorities said. That fire also started after a kerosene heater was filled improperly, authorities said.

The two fires prompted authorities to urge people to be cautious in using kerosene and other portable heating devices.