A kerosene heater is being blamed for a Monday fire that heavily damaged a mobile home at 7903 Lamor Road in Jefferson Township.

Firefighters Tuesday identified the homeowner as Robert Poling, who had partial insurance on the mobile home. His father, Bob Poling, was sleeping on the couch when a smoke alarm alerted him to the blaze at 2:50 p.m., firefighters said.

The homeowner works in Oil City and returns to Jefferson Township on his days off, firefighters said, adding the elder Poling had been staying with his son. Both men are staying with relatives since the blaze.

Firefighters said the furnace was not working, so three kerosene heaters were being used. One apparently was too close to a wall and sparked the blaze, firefighters said, adding damage is estimated at $35,000.