The North Royalton Fire Department was dispatched when a fire broke out on a house on Bellarmine Drive on Wednesday, May 11.
According to North Royalton Fire Chief Bob Chegan, the blaze was reported at 1:07 p.m. Mutual aid was called and was responded to by the Parma Fire Department and the Broadview Heights Fire Department. “We had fire under control in about thirty minutes,” said Chegan, “but with hot spots and further investigation, it concluded in about four hours.”
Chegan said that a lot of fire was showing on the back of the house. “It (the fire) started outside and ran up the wall and went into eave space. The roof did collapse down onto the second floor. We started on the front and had two lines in the back.”
The house experienced significant damage,” said Chegan. There are several possible causes, but at the time of this writing, it has not been determined, as the investigation continues.
The residents and two family pets were safely evacuated from the house prior to the arrival of the Fire Department crew. No injuries to the residents or the firefighters were reported.
House fires serve as a reminder to residents to be proactive. Chief Chegan notes that the two most important things that residents can do is installing and maintaining smoke alarms on each floor of the residence and having an evacuation plan. Make sure that the alarm is always activated and change the battery regularly. “The smoke alarms will give you early notification. Teaching your children about fire and having a safety plan, the combination is very important.” According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), “One of the best ways to protect yourself and your family is to have a working smoke alarm that can sound fast for both a fire that has flames, and a smoky fire that has fumes without flames . . . A working smoke alarm greatly reduces your chances of dying in a fire. Preparation is key. Prepare an escape route and practice the route with your family. When preparing the route, plan for at least two different ways out and practice both.”
It has been recommended that residents create a home escape plan by drawing your home floor plan, labeling all rooms and identifying doors and windows. Plan for two escape routes for each room, providing alternatives for young children and those with a disability. Agree on a meeting place where everyone will go after they have escaped. Consider buying a UL approved collapsible ladder for second story homes. Practice your plan with everyone by sounding the smoke alarm and practice crawling low beneath the smoke. Remember to check doors for heat, if it is hot, do not open it. Close doors as you leave. Get out first, then call 911 for help. Practice the plan at least twice a year. Teach children to stop, drop and roll if clothes catch fire.
For those living in a condominium or apartment building, know all primary and secondary exits, use stairs only and learn and practice the building’s evacuation plan.
By GLORIA PLEVA KACIK
Contributing Writer