MONROE - A basement dehumidifier that malfunctioned and caught fire caused an estimated $40,000 in damages to a home just east of Monroe Middle School Monday, Oct. 14.
No people or pets were reported injured in the house fire in the 1700 block of 13th Street, according to a news release from Fire Chief Daryl Rausch.
The resident who reported the fire was able to evacuate, and no one else was home at the time.
Four engines and 25 firefighters were called in at 5:49 p.m.
The resident told dispatch "an explosion had occurred in the basement and there was smoke coming out of the windows," Rausch said. Firefighters found a "well-involved fire" in a back storage room of the basement and smoke throughout the basement and first floor.
"The fire was quickly controlled by a single hand line using less than 200 gallons of water, and the building was ventilated," Rausch said. Firefighters left by about 8 p.m.
Investigation revealed the fire spread from the dehumidifier into an adjacent closet and to materials stored in the closet, causing an estimated $25,000 in structure damage and $15,000 in damage to the residents' belongings.
The residents are staying with family until the home can be cleaned and repaired.
- Katjusa Cisar
No people or pets were reported injured in the house fire in the 1700 block of 13th Street, according to a news release from Fire Chief Daryl Rausch.
The resident who reported the fire was able to evacuate, and no one else was home at the time.
Four engines and 25 firefighters were called in at 5:49 p.m.
The resident told dispatch "an explosion had occurred in the basement and there was smoke coming out of the windows," Rausch said. Firefighters found a "well-involved fire" in a back storage room of the basement and smoke throughout the basement and first floor.
"The fire was quickly controlled by a single hand line using less than 200 gallons of water, and the building was ventilated," Rausch said. Firefighters left by about 8 p.m.
Investigation revealed the fire spread from the dehumidifier into an adjacent closet and to materials stored in the closet, causing an estimated $25,000 in structure damage and $15,000 in damage to the residents' belongings.
The residents are staying with family until the home can be cleaned and repaired.
- Katjusa Cisar