COLUMBUS, Ind. – The Columbus Fire Department (CFD) is crediting a neighbor for their vigilance and quick action in reporting a fire in an occupied house Tuesday morning.
A neighbor from across the street saw smoke and flames inside another resident’s home at 262 Weid Ct., and called 9-1-1 at around 9 a.m., per CFD’s Capt. Mike Wilson. The caller saw what he initially believed to be a cloud of dust around the home, attributing the sight to ongoing tree trimming going on in the neighborhood. Within minutes, he noticed recognized the house was actually ablaze.
Columbus Fire Engine Company 3 arrived to find a working fire with heavy smoke in the living room at the front of the house. Additional crews entered the home to complete a search that revealed the residence was unoccupied.
Firefighters marked the blaze under control within five minutes of arrival. The rapid fire attack by firefighters confined the fire to the living room of the home.
“Fire grows at an extremely rapid rate, so any factors that increase our ability to get to the scene as early as possible during the fire, significantly improves the overall outcome in terms of both property conservation and rescue efforts,” said Engine Company 3 Lt. Don Richards.
The home was deemed inhabitable due to the fire damage. The cause remains under investigation. Damage to the home and contents is estimated at $50,000. No injuries were reported.
Firefighters on the scene after the January 10 fire. Courtesy – CFD.
