HOMER, NY (607NewsNow) – Officials say the cause of a Cortland County house fire was likely a malfunctioning electric heater.

On January 21, the Homer Fire Department was called to Cayuga Street in the village just after 3 a.m. for a reported structure fire. Responding units found smoke leading them to a small fire in the basement. Firefighters made quick work of the flames and limited damage to a wall and ceiling near the heater. The City of Cortland Fire Department and Homer Police assisted at the scene.

The Homer Fire Department reminds you to ensure your smoke detectors are working, as heating devices have the potential to malfunction from increased usage in colder temperatures.