Houston home fire: Firefighters are investigating whether the Bonner Street home fire was started by a space heater

A blaze erupted from a home as firefighters worked to bring it under control in freezing temperatures overnight.

The fire was reported on Bonner Street near Radcliffe around 10:45 p.m. Thursday.

The Houston Fire Department was on the scene just a few blocks away and was able to respond within minutes.

County Sheriff Michael Flanigan said a METRO bus was dispatched to the scene to help keep firefighters warm while they battle the blaze.

Firefighters said the homeowner escaped the fire. The house is a total loss.

Flanigan said arson investigators will look into the cause of the fire. Crews believe the homeowner used space heaters to stay warm during the arctic cold when the fire started.

Experts say you should take the following precautions when using space heaters:

• Keep anything that can burn at least three feet away from the fireplace

• Plug the heater into a wall outlet, not an electrical outlet

• Remember to turn off the heater before going to bed