Twp people jumped from a second floor window to escape a burning house in Wheatley on Saturday.
Chatham-Kent Fire & Emergency Services officials say the call came in to the 17 Elm Street home at 7:14 a.m.
“Firefighters from Station 20 in Wheatley arrived to find a significant working fire,” stated Bob Davidson, assistant fire chief.
“Two residents had to jump from a second floor window to escape the blaze and were subsequently transported by EMS to hospital. Quick work by fire crews prevented the fire from extending to nearby occupancies. Station #20 was assisted by Station #19, Tilbury.”
Davidson said approximately $120,000 damage was caused to the two storey, single family home, while $300,000 in property was saved.
The cause of the blaze in under investigation.
“The (Office of the Fire Marshal and Emergency Management) has been called in to assist with the fire investigation,” Davidson said.
Homes on two sides of house were exposed to the blaze.
Davidson said it is important to make a fire escape plan, with two ways out of every room.
“Talk to our family about what you should do if there is a fire,” he said.
“Practice your fire escape plan at least 2 times per year. Have a designated meeting place.
He said everyone should install working smoke alarms on every storey and outside all sleeping areas and test them monthly.
“Smoke alarms save lives,” Davidson said.
“If battery operated, replace the battery twice annually when you change your clocks.”
