Fireworks are being blamed for a fire that consumed a Wellington home, tonight.
Wellington Fire Department crews were called out to 1011 S. Washington around 8 p.m., Friday, after receiving the call of a structure fire. When crews arrived, the roof was fully engulfed in flames, Interim Fire Chief Bill Hellard said.
The first fire truck was set up to use a jet gun to hose down the flames while a second truck was brought it to help with the blaze, Hellard said.
As Wellington firefighters battled the flames, Oxford and Mayfield Fire Departments were called out for backup.
The fire went on for about 10 to 15 minutes before emergency responders were able to knock out all the flames, Hellard said.
The home now has no roof and significant fire and smoke damage to the rest of the home. Crews were on scene after the fire was out to make sure no hotspots were left in the home and to make sure the fire was truly out.
Hellard confirmed fireworks were a factor in the fire though specifics into who or what may be to blame are forthcoming.
Saving the home was first and foremost, but so was the safety of firefighters and surrounding homes.
“They are dealing with extreme heat. The fire was extremely hot, that’s why we called Oxford and Mayfield in for more manpower. To give them relief. Our main concern was the exposures, especially to the north but we got some water on it,” said Hellard.
Neighbors were out in abundance to watch the crews, and one was grateful for the quick response.
“Fortunately they got here in time,” said J.B. James, who lived just north of the destroyed home. “Fortunately no one was hurt and no damage other than maybe some smoke damage happened to my home. I can’t speak for the same on their house though. It looks like it’s pretty rugged,”
The Wellington man says having a fire so close was unnerving.
“Oh absolutely, especially if you look at all the trees over there. When they first initially got here, it took a while for them to know what they were doing. I thought it was going to crest over and start in on our home,” said James.
As cleanup continued at the scene, brilliant displays of fireworks were going off mere blocks away and Hellard wondered what the rest of the holiday weekend has in store.
“It’s going to be a long weekend,” he said.
For photos of the event, go to our photo gallerys, located on the bottom of our homepage at www.wellingtondailynews.com
