Cause of Glasgow Road fire probed

GLASGOW -- Investigators are trying to determine the cause of a fire that destroyed the inside of a Glasgow Road home Monday afternoon.

West Point fire crews were called to 42562 Glasgow Road at about 3:54 p.m. for a report of a refrigerator that had caught fire inside the kitchen, soon after engulfing the entire room.

West Point assistant fire chief Denver Mays said that heavy smoke had been observed coming from the home, to which firefighters found the kitchen completely engulfed in flames.

“We got called out for a fridge on fire,” Mays said. “Prior to arriving, a passer-by called and said there was heavy smoke pushing from the structure. We arrived to find it fully involved.”

Mays reported that the kitchen was completely destroyed, and other portions of the home suffered from heat, smoke and water damage. Overall the inside of the home was considered a total loss.

Two people who were inside the home at the time of the fire were able to get out safely. Two other animals and a pet turtle also escaped the fire unharmed, and no injuries were reported.

Mays said the two people inside the home were checked over by first responders for smoke inhalation, but declined medical treatment.

“We did an evaluation on the two that were there,” Mays said. “They were trying to get their animals and stuff out. They had a little bit of smoke, but they refused treatment.”

Within an hour, crews from both West Point and Glenmoor – who assisted at the scene – were able to extinguish the fire.

Once the flames were put out, windows were opened and a fan was placed near the front door to allow air to circulate. Crews then worked to remove belongings from the home that were either not affected or could be salvaged.

“We were trying to get some of their valuables out that we can salvage so that they don’t get hurt with water,” Mays said. “We got some of the clothes that was salvageable, and the turtle, and some pictures and odds and ends.” 

Mays said that it’s still unclear as to how the fire started, or an exact dollar amount of damage done to the home. The names of the homeowners have not been released at this time. The cause of the fire remains under investigation. 

In addition to Glenmoor’s assistance, Lisbon fire crews were also at West Point’s station covering the township. A technician with AEP Energy also arrived at the home and turned off all power.

srappach@reviewonline.com