Late this afternoon we discovered on this windy day that this fire did not spread, but instead snuffed itself out. Many thanks to the Poudre Fire Authority for their quick response in coming to investigate. We think the tank heater melted the Rubbermaid tank, and the melted plastic ignited, spreading to the post. These heaters will no longer be permitted on the property.
Fire damage in horse shed.
Poudre Fire Authority truck on the scene.
Tank heater in melted Rubbermaid tank.
Fireman investigates.
Tank heater, melted tank, melted, burned plastic to right.
Fireman taking pictures on the scene.
The tank heater destroyed itself, too.
Another view of tank heater and melted tank.
“WHEN USING A NON-METALLIC CONTAINER OR PLASTIC TANK, TO PREVENT FIRE DANGER, YOU MUST USE OUR MODEL 88R GUARD.” (APPARENTLY SOLD SEPARATELY)
The fire department report mentioned not having a basket on the tank heater. Of more interest to us was that fact that the heater’s auto-safety shutoff failed.