Columbus firefighters responded to a residential fire at approximately 9:26 p.m. Thursday at 5235 Norway Court after the homeowner saw flames in on the exterior front porch of the home and alerted his family of the fire.
According to the property owners, Stephen and Linda Alis, they were inside their home and saw a flash outside the home’s front porch near a porch light. Stephen Alis told firefighters that he saw flames and went outside the rear of the home and tried to reach a garden hose located in close proximity to the front entry door. Alis stated that the flames and heat prevented him from being able to reach the garden hose. Linda Alis, an adult daughter, and a grandson, escaped the home and called 9-1-1.
Firefighters arrived on the scene to find heavy fire conditions near the home’s front door and attached garage area. Engine 4 was the first fire unit to arrive on the scene and quickly attacked the flames. In a short time the visible flames were brought under control, but smoke conditions indicated that fire was still free burning in the attic space located above the attached garage area.
As additional firefighters arrived on the scene, suppression crews reached the attic space where they once again found heavy fire conditions. Crews extinguished the fire in the attic and began to search the home and attic space for additional pockets of hidden fire. After confirming the fire was under control, firefighters removed smoke form the home using positive pressure ventilation fans.
After speaking with the property owners, Columbus Fire Department Investigators learned that a small bird nest had recently been built inside the porch light. According to Linda Alis, the front porch light had been on prior to the discovery of the fire. Department investigators have determined that the origin of the fire was the area near the porch light. The investigation is ongoing.
Damages to the home are estimated at $70,000. The Salvation Army is currently assisting the family with emergency services as the family is displaced at this time.
In the second fire, Columbus firefighters were sent to a possible residential fire in the 3300 block of Berkshire Place at approximately 10:32 p.m after homeowners discovered thick black smoke coming from their two car garage. According to homeowner Mervin Brunette, he and his wife smelled smoke inside the home but initially could not locate the source. Upon opening the door leading to the garage, thick black smoke entered the home. The family, including the Brunette’s 16 year old daughter, escaped the home and called 911.
Firefighters arrived on the scene and found smoke coming from the garage area. As crews prepared a fire attack line, firefighters forced a garage entry door from the side of the home and were meet with a high volume of super-heated black smoke. Firefighters pushed their way into that garage where they found flames coming from one of two vehicles parked in the garage.
Within moments the fire was under control, and firefighters began to look for additional extension in high heat conditions. Firefighter were able to raise that garage door and allow the smoke and heat to vent out of the garage space. On the inside of the home, a haze of smoke was visible on the ground floor. Firefighter used positive pressure ventilation fans to aid in removing the smoke from the home.
With no fire extension found, firefighter then focused on removing the fire damaged vehicle from the garage. Due to the electrical system damage, firefighter were unable to move the vehicle in neutral and called for a wrecker service to aid in pulling the vehicle form the garage.
The cause of the fire is under investigation. No injuries were reported.
For more on these fires, see Saturday’s Republic.
