The home of Hugh Conover, 502 N. Walnut, sustained heavy damage after a fire burned an upstairs loft and attic.
The fire, reported shortly before 9 p.m. Tuesday, started in the loft and spread to the attic.
Conover was downstairs watching television and noticed the smoke, Iola firefighters said.
The fire had burned into the attic and flames were breaking through the roof by the time Iola Fire Department crews arrived.
They were able to prevent the fire from spreading further, but much of the upper level of the two-story house was destroyed.
Deputy Fire Chief Tim Thyer said an electric space heater in the loft was the cause.
“If you leave one of those unattended, you’re really taking a risk,” Thyer said.
Firefighters were on the scene for more than three hours to ensure no hot spots remained.
There were no injuries.
Attic, upstairs loft burn in fire
