Oil lamp causes house fire

By Allison Scarbrough, News Editor

FERRY TOWNSHIP — An oil lamp caused a house fire at 1549 E. Zimmer Road early Monday morning, July 14.

“The homeowner accidentally knocked over an oil lamp, and it caused the outlet to short out, and the fire started,” said Cpt. Chris Ernst of the Ferry Township Fire Department. “She and her two dogs were able to make it out safely. We got there and got the fire knocked down pretty quick and saved a lot of it from any further damage.” 

The lamp was not lit, he said. The oil spilled into an electrical outlet, shorting it out and igniting a fire. ”It caused enough of a spark that the fuel ignited. 

“She did everything right — got out quickly; kept everything shut up; and called 911 right away.”

There was minor smoke and water damage to the living room area where the fire occurred. “Once everything gets repaired, it should be livable,” said Ernst. The home is insured.

Firefighters from Ferry Township, Hart and Shelby were dispatched to the scene around 1 a.m., and the scene cleared around 3 a.m. The Grant Township Rehab Trailer also responded to the scene.

The American Red Cross is assisting the homeowner with temporary housing.

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