PARKERSBURG - The Parkersburg Fire Department responded to a house fire at 1264 31st St. around 9:15 p.m. Saturday, officials said.
Residents noticed smoke in the home and upon further investigation found three-foot tall flames in the attic, firefighters said.
The first due engine company arrived a couple minutes later from Fire Station 4 on West Virginia Avenue and reported heavy smoke coming from the gables, said Parkersburg Fire Chief Eric Taylor. Officials said the fire was brought under control within 10 minutes.
According to the reports, the home is owned and occupied by Carl Sprout. He reported to fire investigators that earlier in the evening they noticed a light smoky haze in the home but could not determine a source.
Later, the occupants noticed heavier smoke in the foyer and a crackling sound coming from the attic. Sprout stated the electrical breaker tripped sometime during the course of those events.
The family was supposed to attend a Christmas party that evening and felt too uncomfortable to leave, officials said.
"They were very fortunate that they did not leave," said Taylor. "Had the fire been given a little bit longer, they would have lost the home and all of their possessions."
Due to the cautious homeowner and quick notification of the fire department, officials said there was minor damage to the contents and limited damage to the structure.
There was a little smoke in the home, but structural damage was limited to the foyer ceiling and the attic space. Fire investigators believe the cause to be an electrical short in the attic and estimated damages at $10,000-$15,000.
No injuries were reported and fire crews cleared around 10:30 p.m. Saturday, Taylor said.
