A family asleep in their home was awakened to smoke alarms on Thursday morning in Barrie.
Firefighters say some cushions near a space heater caught fire and the blaze spread when flames hit the family’s artificial tree.
Barrie fire officials say it’s a timely reminder as we approach the holidays.
“With respect to the holiday season, obviously we’ve had a quick change of weather, so the heater issue is a huge deal. You need to really give your space heater at least a metre around on all sides,” said fire prevention officer, Judith Myddelton.
The family escaped uninjured.
Damage is estimated at $300,000.
