UPDATE: Investigators determine cause of house fire was accidental - space heater ignited blaze that destroyed $750,000 home

Fire investigators with North County Fire have said the case of the house fire Sunday, Feb. 9, on Palomar Drive, was accidental and caused by a space heater being left on too close to combustible materials.

"We would like to remind the public to make sure when using a space heater indoors that they turn it off before going to sleep," said NC Fire public information officer John Buchanan. "In addition, space heaters, when operating, should not be any closer than 30 inches to combustible material."

(previous story, Mon. Feb. 10)

Home destroyed by fire on Palomar Drive valued at $750,000; North County Fire continues investigation into cause

Debbie Ramsey

Managing Editor

Early information has just been reported by North County Fire (NCF) regarding a home fire last night (Sunday, Feb. 9), in the 4500 block of Palomar Drive (near La Canada and South Mission Road).

According to NCF public information officer John Buchanan, the blaze broke out at approximately 7:30 p.m. and completely destroyed a 3,000 square foot split-level home, which was valued at $750,000.

"All four people inside the home got our safely with no injuries," said Buchanan, who also stated that no firefighters were injured battling the blaze.

Neighbor Jon Monday, whose property adjoins the one that caught fire, said, "A big – no huge – thank you to the fire department. The house was surrounded by trees and could have lit up the whole neighborhood. Also, thank God, the air was still – a big wind would have been a disaster."

Buchanan said the home was a complete loss, but a value has not yet been determined.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation this morning.

Oceanside Fire assisted North County Fire at the scene.

**Watch this site for updates on this story as they become available.***