Petaluma fire caused by propane heater

A Petaluma man trying to light a portable propane heater instead ignited flames that quickly consumed his backyard workshop in an older neighborhood near downtown Wednesday afternoon.

Fire officials said crews’ aggressive attack quickly brought the 4:15 p.m. blaze under control and prevented flames from spreading to adjacent homes and accessory buildings in the area of Vallejo Street and Marin Way off East Washington Boulevard.

The unidentified resident suffered minor flash burns and was treated at the scene by paramedics, Battalion Chief Mike Medeiros said.

No other injuries were reported.

Medeiros estimated structure and contents losses at $18,000.

-Mary Callahan