Waterford Family Has Close Call With Kitchen Fire

Thanks to a quick-thinking neighbor and a fast-responding fire department, a fire that broke out in the kitchen of a home at 37 Gallup Lane early this morning was contained to the kitchen and the family, which includes two young children, got out safely. 

A neighbor, who happens to be a retired volunteer fire fighter with Jordan Fire Department, noticed the smoke and called 911 at 7:52 a.m. The neighbor ran over to rouse the family. According to an eyewitness, they escaped through the front window. The front door is near the kitchen, which was where the fire started.  

Firefighters from Jordan Fire Department arrived on the scene in four minutes. Oswegatchie Fire Department also responded and firefighters had the blaze contained by 8:05 a.m. Fortunately, the services of the ambulance were not needed, as the family escaped unharmed. 

"Everyone was out of the house when we got there," said firefighter Jake Reagan of the Jordan Fire Department. "The Red Cross was called to assist the family and Waterford Police did traffic control."

Waterford Fire Investigator Jeff Lathrop said the fire was contained to the kitchen, although smoke damage throughout the house will make it unlivable for now. Lathrop said he believes the fire started in an area of the kitchen where the toaster and the microwave were located. 

"We believe the toaster malfunctioned," said Lathrop.