James City County Fire units responded to a building fire on Argall Town Road in the First Colony subdivision on Nov. 8. At about 5 p.m. while in their kitchen, the homeowner was alerted by their smoke alarms finding smoke and fire in a storage area in their garage. The family and their pets were able to safely evacuate. The first arriving fire units were able to quickly contain and extinguish the fire. Damage to the storage area and garage, as well as smoke damage to the main home was estimated to be $20,000. The cause is undetermined at this time and is under investigation by James City County Fire Marshal's Office. The County was assisted by units from the Williamsburg Fire Department.
Having working and properly maintained smoke detectors are truly a life saving component to any home. As was seen by this fire situation, this home's detectors did their job, alerting residents to a fire they did not know had started enabling them to safely exit their home and get help. With cooler weather in the forecast, this is the time to check your smoke alarms. Test your alarms at least once a month by pushing the test button. Install smoke alarms in every bedroom, outside each separate sleeping area, and on every level of your home. Need assistance with your alarms? Call Fire Administration at 757-220-0626.
Media Contact: Alton F. Catlett, Battalion Chief
757-378-8009; Al.Catlett@jamescitycountyva.gov