BRIMFIELD A portable, propane-fueled space heater caused the Dec. 22 fire at 26 Third St. that claimed the life of an older adult, said Brimfield Fire Chief Don Contois, State Fire Marshal Peter Ostroskey and Hampden County District Attorney Anthony Gulluni Thursday.

Space heaters need space, Contois said in Thursdays release. If youre using one at home, keep anything that can burn at least three feet away on all sides and be sure to turn them off when you leave the room or go to sleep.

The victim was identified as Robert A. Bobby Gentile, 74, who was trapped in the house with his dog.