Quick work by the Red Bank Fire Department saved a house from going up in flames on Monday morning.
A 9-1-1 call was received at 9:15 a.m. reporting a house fire at 5023 Old Trail. The Red Bank Fire Department responded and arrived within minutes, reporting heavy smoke and fire coming from the back side of the house.
Once fire personnel were clear on everyone out of the house, firefighters did an interior attack in the basement and contained the fire from spreading to the upstairs within minutes.
The homeowner’s son said he was turning on the heat - a propane-fed furnace, and he heard a large explosion that shook the house. He proceeded to go downstairs to check the pilot light in the furnace room, opened the door and was met with heavy smoke and fire.
He immediately evacuated the house and called 9-1-1.
No injuries were reported. Hamilton County Emergency Medical Service personnel were on the scene for potential injuries.
According to Chief Mark Matthews of the Red Bank Fire Department, the fire started in the furnace room but the cause of the fire will be determined by the Red Bank Fire Department Fire Investigation Division.
Damage is estimated at about $30,000.
The Red Bank Fire Department was assisted by the Walden’s Ridge Emergency Services, HCEMS and the Red Bank Police Department.