Working smoke alarms are being credited for saving the life of an Indianola homeowner on Feb. 17, after a heat lamp dropped into a box of combustibles, igniting flames that claimed several baby chicks, as well as significant damage to the house, according to North Kitsap Fire & Rescue.
NKF&R, along with Poulsbo and Bainbridge Island fire departments responded to the residence on Loughrey Avenue at 9:42 p.m. Monday, after a woman inside called 911 to report being awakened by activated smoke alarms and finding flames in the home’s living room. At the time, the caller told dispatchers that she might not be able to get out as the fire was between her and the home’s exits.
NKF&R responded in less than seven minutes and found the woman safely outside the residence. Firefighters were able to contain the fire quickly and said the flames were easily snuffed because the blaze’s spread was held in check by the door, closed behind the woman as she exited, depriving the flames of oxygen.
Witness statements and evidence at the scene point to the home’s living room as the area of the fire’s origin and a heat lamp used to keep baby chicks warm was the likely ignition source. Deputy Fire Marshal Ken Rice of the Kitsap County Fire Marshal’s Office stated that the incident’s outcome would almost certainly have been tragic without working smoke alarms.
The woman was transported to a local hospital as a precaution and was released shortly after, according to the release. While the fire damage was mostly limited to the room of origin, heavy smoke and water damage affected most of the 1,900 square-foot structure.
The woman’s husband was not at home during the time of the fire. There were no other injuries reported to firefighters or civilians and the family was insured.
NKF&R firefighters will provide smoke alarms free of charge upon request. Call
