Space Heater Likely Cause of Massive Tyler Fire

TYLER – All lanes of Troup Highway between Shiloh Road and Grande Boulevard were reopened by 2:30 Thursday morning following a fire around 7:00 Wednesday night. Firefighters tell KETK the fire started inside Elder’s Antique Repair and Furniture Restoration, a furniture upholstery business inside a residential home. When they got there, flames were 100 feet high. There was even an explosion. Investigators with the Tyler Fire Marshal’s Office reported that the presence of various chemicals used at the business likely contributed to the fire’s intensity. Interviews with the occupant determined the presence of an operating space heater in the area/building where the fire is believed to have originated. Estimated dollar loss is approximately $170,000. The 80-year-old owner was transported to a local hospital and later transferred to a Dallas burn hospital for further treatment. Additionally, one firefighter sustained a minor injury that did not require transport to a medical facility.

A GoFundMe page has been set up: https://www.gofundme.com/mr-elder-quinteros-fire-relief-fund