An unfortunate accident with a utility lamp caused substantial fire and smoke damage to a house off of Barabara Street on Tuesday, July 21.
Kenai Fire Chief Jeff Tucker said the home owner made a quick trip to Home Depot and upon returning heard fire alarms.
Tucker: “He called us, when we got on scene the home was charged with smoke and the downstairs basement had had a fire but when we got there the fire had basically burned itself out. It was an enclosed area which was charged with heat and smoke, burst the water pipes in there and the steam from the water pipes put out the fire before we got there, that and the lack of oxygen.”
Tucker said the unoccupied home was being renovated to be sold and was unoccupied.
The cause of the fire appeared to be a utility lamp which fell onto a painting drop cloth, subsequently breaking and causing the fire.
Tucker also reminded people to check fire alarms, and said this homeowner took the right actions.
Tucker: “When the homeowner returned home all the alarms in the building were going off so he was aware that something was happening and immediately made contact with 911 and got the fire department rolling.”
The cost of the damage to the home is still being investigated.