A quick exit by Sunderland homeowners after a fire broke out on Tuesday evening is an example of how smoke alarms can save lives, stressed the Brock Fire Department.
Firefighters were called to a River Street address just after 5 p.m. on Oct. 31 after residents heard a smoke alarm go off in the basement, said Rick Harrison, Brock’s fire chief.
The fire originated in the basement laundry room; however, the fire damage was limited to only that room, with some heat damage to the remainder of the basement, said Harrison. There was smoke damage throughout the house, he added.
Seven trucks from three fire stations responded, with 30 firefighters in total at the scene.
No injuries were reported, said the fire chief.
The homeowners were inside the residence at the time and “were alerted to the fire when basement smoke alarms activated. With activation of alarms, the homeowners were given ample time to get out of the house and call 911,” said Harrison. “Quick response and the great work of firefighters stopped the fire progression and limited majority of the damage to the basement laundry room.”
Added the fire chief: “Smoke alarms save lives.”
The damage to the home is estimated to be $200,000, said Harrison, noting that an investigation into the cause of the fire will be conducted by an insurance company.