UPDATED: Bloomington mobile home fire ignited by owner trying to unfreeze pipes

Posted on February 8, 2019
mobile home fire
Bloomington and Normal firefighters were called to battle flames at this mobile home in Prairieland Estates. (Normal Fire Department photo)

 

By Howard Packowitz and Neil Doyle

BLOOMINGTON – Investigators believe a fire that destroyed a mobile home Friday on Bloomington’s southeast side happened when the homeowner used a portable propane torch to thaw frozen pipes.

The owner was not injured, but firefighters have not been able to account for two cats who lived with her at 10 Violet Lane in Prairieland Estates.

Bloomington firefighters found the home engulfed in flames when they arrived about 11 a.m. Normal firefighters were also called to help put out the fire in bitterly cold conditions.

Relatives and the American Red Cross are helping the woman who lost her home in the blaze.

Howard Packowitz can be reached at [email protected]

Neil Doyle can be reached at [email protected]

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