The Danville Fire Department was dispatched to 202 E. Thomas Street on 6/29/19 at 11:43 pm for a structure fire. Apparatus arrived to find a medium sized 2-story house with no smoke or fire showing. Walking around the house and also talking to the owner revealed a fire in the kitchen. The fire could be seen from an exterior window. Firefighters entered from the front door and found items on the stove top on fire along with cabinets above and beside the stove. The fire was quickly extinguished. Crews also searched the house to confirm there was no one still inside. There was a significant amount of smoke damage on the first and second floor.
The fire cause was unattended cooking. Fire and smoke damage was estimated to be $5,000. Saved value of the house and contents was $45,000. The occupants will not be able to stay in the house at this time. The Red Cross is assisting four adults and two children with lodging.
The DFD responded with three engines, one ladder, one safety vehicle, and a command vehicle. 15 personnel were on scene for nearly two hours. We were assisted by the Danville Life Saving Crew, Danville Police, Danville Power & Light, Danville Water & Gas, and the local chapter of the Red Cross. Please remember to stay within sight of the stove top while cooking. Fires caused by unattended cooking are the number one cause of residential fires every year. Please have smoke alarms in your house and test them monthly. If you live in the City and need smoke alarms, call 434-799-5226 between 8:00 am and 5:00 pm. The DFD will schedule a home visit to install the proper number of needed fire alarms.
Brian K. Alderson, Battalion Chief