Fire engines screamed as they sped down the road heading to a call of a possible house fire on Oaklawn Street in the Walnut Hill in Petersburg shortly after noon on January 14.
Officials said fire crews arriving on scene saw heavy smoke showing from a wood frame single family dwelling.
Responding to the fire was Engine 4 (South Sycamore Station), Engine 2 (South Market Street), Engine 5 (Johnson Road), Truck one, Fire-Rescue 4, 530, and the on duty Battalion Chief.
Engine 2 (South Market Street) was first on scene. Supply line was 5 inch and initial attack lines were 1 ¾ Inch.
Six kids and one adult were home at the time . A working smoke detector sounded causing the residents to check out the alert. The fire was discovered and all safely evacuated the house.
Firefighters were able to quickly knock down the spreading fire.
Officials said the fire originated in the kitchen from a pan of grease left on a burner and forgotten. Fire damage in the kitchen was moderate and the house had smoke damage throughout.
The smoke detector made all the difference, Officials pointed out.
"We have a smoke detector program," said Petersburg Battalion Chief Steve Bowling, "and urge anyone who cannot afford a smoke detector to contact Petersburg Fire Department and we will be glad to assist you. Smoke detectors save lives. One should be on every level of your home."
On Friday, at 454 Harrison Street, fire destroyed a home which housed ten people. Three children perished in that blaze, the home did have not have a working smoke detector.
