Family able to escape house fire

By Barbara Knowles (1642)
barbara.knowles@newtoncitizen.com

As of Tuesday, August 16, 2011
© Copyright 2013 Newton Citizen

Photo by Howard Reed

COVINGTON -- A Green Acres Drive home caught fire around 7 a.m. Wednesday morning, but firefighters were able to contain the flames to one room, according to the Covington Fire Department.

CFD Fire Marshal David Carter said a grandmother and two children were home at the time of the blaze, but were alerted to the danger by working smoke alarms and escaped without injury.

"Thank goodness they were lucky. Everybody got out safe," he said. "And we saved the Christmas presents."

The one-story, frame residence at 6280 Green Acres Drive sustained moderate damage, with one room being burned and smoke and water damage to the rest of the house.

"It is not habitable," Carter said, adding that the family is now living with relatives.

Carter said the cause of the blaze is unknown, but it is believed to have been an accidental fire that started in the den area of the home.

"They did have smoke detectors which sounded," he said.

With colder weather and the Christmas season approaching, Carter cautioned residents to be vigilant about the dangers of fire.

"They need to have their heating systems checked out and keep combustibles away from space heaters. They should also make sure they have a working smoke detector," he warned. "Only use UL approved lights on the Christmas tree and beware of older lights with frayed cords. And always unplug extension cords and limit their use."

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