Timnath Patio Heater Ignites Exterior Wall Fire Before Quick Extinguishment

Poudre Fire Authority crews extinguished a small exterior wall fire at a Timnath residence on Riverbluff Drive the afternoon of October 6 after Timnath police officers slowed the fire's spread using a garden hose before firefighters arrived.

Timnath police were first on scene and discovered flames on an exterior wall of the structure. Officers used a garden hose to control the fire until Engine 10 arrived and fully extinguished the blaze, preventing further damage to the home.

The fire was likely caused by an outdoor patio heater positioned too close to the exterior wall, according to PFA.

PFA reminded residents to maintain proper clearance between heating devices and combustible materials as Northern Colorado transitions into cooler temperatures requiring outdoor heating equipment.

Fire Code Requires Clearance from Structures

The International Fire Code, which Larimer and Weld counties adopt as their regulatory foundation, requires patio heaters maintain at least five feet of horizontal clearance from combustible materials, building walls, exits, and pathways.

Outdoor heating devices must be placed on stable surfaces in open areas and cannot be used under tents, canopies, or similar membrane structures of any size. When positioned near tents or temporary structures, heaters must maintain 5-10 feet of distance from the structure, according to fire code requirements enforced by area fire districts.

All outdoor heating installations should include a 2A:10BC portable fire extinguisher, serviced within the past year and readily accessible to the heating area. Propane tanks and fuel storage must be kept away from buildings, exits, and enclosed structures.

Poudre Fire Authority recently completed biannual training focused on medical emergencies, trauma response, and hazardous materials handling to maintain readiness for complex emergency situations across Northern Colorado.