Westminster Man Tinkering With Stove Sparks $10,000 House Fire
A house fire was started Friday morning when a man tried to convert his stove from gas to electric, firefighters said.
Phillip Gehlhar, 61, disconnected the gas line without shutting off the gas. Leaking gas was then ignited by the stove’s pilot light, which was still on, Capt. Craig Campbell said.
Flames invaded the second story of Gehlhar’s house, in the 9100 block of Poppy Circle, causing about $10,000 in damage, Campbell said.
“With the economy being bad, people are trying to save a buck, and a lot of people are trying to convert appliances and do things they normally wouldn’t do,” Campbell said. “If you’re doing anything with natural gas, we suggest you contact the gas company or somebody licensed, because otherwise you’re liable to blow yourself up.”
Gehlhar was not hurt in the 9:30 a.m. blaze, which a team of 15 Westminster firefighters had under control in 20 minutes, Campbell said.
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