A fire Sunday afternoon at a local rental property resulted in extensive damage to the home.
Columbus firefighters were sent to the 800 block of Werner Avenue at 4:37 p.m. Sunday after multiple 911 calls about smoke and flames coming from the home, said Capt. Mike Wilson, Columbus Fire Department spokesman.
Arriving within four minutes, firefighters found flames shooting from a window in the front of the home. After firefighters directed water through the window, others went into the home and extinguished the remaining flames in what was determined to be a bedroom, Wilson said.
From the interior, firefighters found that the fire had extended into the home’s attic through a portion of ceiling that was heavily damaged. Crews directed water into the attic space from the interior and also from the exterior gable vent until the fire was deemed under control.
The tenant, Shane Smith, said he was outside at the rear of the home when he determined the house was on fire. Cause of the fire is currently listed as undetermined, Wilson said. Damages are estimated at $45,000.
Emergency shelter services for Smith were provided by the Salvation Army.
Agencies that assisted at the scene include the Columbus Police Department, Columbus City Utilities, Duke Energy, Vectren Energy, Salvation Army and Columbus Regional Health Ambulance Service.
During the investigation, no working smoke alarms were found inside the home, Wilson said. The Columbus Fire Department reminds resident of the importance of working smoke alarms as part of a comprehensive fire safety plan. A working smoke alarm increases the chance of surviving a fire in the home by 50 percent. The department also recommends that all Columbus residents create and a fire escape plan.
