Space Heater Sparks Flames, Children Taken to Shands

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- Several children were taken to the hospital tonight because fire officials say a space heater sparked flames.

A total of seven people are in the hospital and two are infants. Fire officials say one is in critical condition at Shands.

The fire took place at a two-story home in the Brentwood area. Inside fire officials say a space heater leaked what appears to be kerosene.

That liquid somehow spilled under a stroller with a baby in it. The liquid then caught fire, and the baby stroller was burned.

Amazingly, fire officials say the infant's father acted fast, taking the baby and tossing the stroller and space heater outside of the building.

Neighbors say they are shaken by what happened.

"I was sad because I see them out playing all the time. It's kind of a shock," said one neighbor.

"It's really sad right here before Thanksgiving, the holidays. Something to remind people is the threat, the dangers of space heaters, making sure everything is safe. Keep them away from combustibles."

Fire officials say if it were not for the father's brave actions, injuries could have bee much worse.

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