Duplex fire forces family to evacuate
Posted By: Lauren Fabrizi
lfabrizi@klkntv.com
A frightening situation Friday morning forced a family to run to safety after its two–person home started on fire.
It happened just before 11 a.m. near 52nd Street and Pioneers Boulevard.
One of the tenants, Nichole Williams, said her 8–year old daughter was trying to light a candle in the bedroom when the curtain caught fire.
Channel 8 Eyewitness News spoke exclusively with the little girl.
“I saw the flames and beneath it was a black circle,” she remembered. “I said, ‘Mommy, Mommy,’ and she’s like, ‘What?’ And she told everyone to get out of the house and called 911.”
The little one lives with her mother and 8–month–old sister. Her mother’s uncle lives in the other part of the duplex. By the time crews arrived, they already made it out safely.
Battalion Chief Eric Jones said an electrical line fell outside near the bedroom where the fire started, causing the flames to spread to the attic.
“Typically in a house like this, with as much fire we found in the attic, we can easily lose a house,” Jones said. “That speaks volumes about what the firefighters did today. They quickly extinguished the fire.”
There’s no fire damage to the second home. The family had a pet snake, which Animal Control said died in the blaze.
After her terrifying experience, the 8-year-old said she’s just thankful she still has her family.
“I want everybody to feel like they’re safe,” she said. “And that they’re protected.”
Fire Inspector Rick Campos estimates about $120,000 in damage. Both of the homes are able to be repaired once deemed safe.
The family does not have renter’s insurance. The bedroom, including the infant’s clothing, has been destroyed.
The Red Cross is assisting the family with living quarters. A fund has also been set up. If you’d like to help, you can donate to any U.S. Bank branch under the name Nichole Williams.
