Fostoria house fire details released

FOSTORIA—A house fire occurred on Wednesday morning at 2410 N. County Road 60, and although both occupants and their pets made it out safely, the fire resulted in a total loss of the house and everything inside. Bascom Fire Chief Christopher Daniel said when crews arrived on scene the house was fully engulfed with flames. Bascom Joint Fire District received a call around 6:34 a.m. and was on scene in less than 10 minutes. Kansas Fire and Rescue was dispatched right away and NBS Joint Fire District was on standby and then was called out to the scene. Additionally, tankers from Washington Township and Hancock County were called, and CERT helped to direct traffic and brought out food to the firefighters. Water was put on the fire within 2-3 minutes upon arrival and firefighters continued a sustained attack. "We were able to get a good knockdown after about 20 minutes on scene," said Daniel, noting the fire was put out after about an hour. The fire district was also called back to the scene to take care of some hot spots that popped back up after the fire was diffused. The department was back in service by 12:11 p.m. The homeowners left for work that morning with a small electric heater in the front corner of the home plugged into an old floor receptacle. While the heater might not have caused the fire, the connection was ruled to have been the cause, Daniel said. His advice is for people to use their central heating systems in their homes if possible, while electric appliances are UL-approved, he said you need to be careful with the receptacles and to make sure you're monitoring your electric heaters. Additionally, the American Red Cross provided more information about the fire and how others can protect themselves and their loved ones from house fire incidents. "The Red Cross provided assistance, such as temporary lodging, food and clothing for the immediate needs of two adults living in the home," stated a press release from the Red Cross. "Red Cross volunteers will continue to help those affected, providing recovery assistance, resources and referrals to community partners." The American Red Cross provided several examples of how people can protect themselves and their families from fires: "Installing smoke alarms on every level of the home, inside bedrooms and outside sleeping areas. Test them every month and replace the batteries at least once a year," "Developing a fire evacuation plan with all members of the household and practicing it several times a year, at different times of the day," "Include two ways to get out of every room and consider escape ladders for sleeping areas or homes on the second floor or above. Pick a place outside for everyone to meet and make sure everyone knows where it is," "Removing any fire hazards from the home," There are also Red Cross apps that can be downloaded and include more than 35 emergency alerts to help keep users safe. There is a special mobile app called Monster Guard which is designed for kids, teaching them to prepare for emergencies at home by playing an engaging game. Individuals can find the apps in smartphone app stores by searching for the American Red Cross or going to redcross.org/apps. For more information on how to protect yourself and your loved ones from fire, visit redcross.org. To make a donation call 1-800-RED CROSS or text the word REDCROSS to 90999 or go online.