Family of four escape house fire in Columbus

COLUMBUS – A family of four escaped a fire at their home on the east side of Columbus Sunday night.

According to the Columbus Fire Department, firefighters were alerted to the blaze at 10:48 p.m. on Reo Street.

Photo provided by Columbus Fire Department

When firefighters arrived they found a storage building behind the home engulfed in flames.

The storage building was located about 10 feet from the home, but the blaze had spread to the back of the home.

Firefighters were able to contain the blaze quickly to the house and were able to extinguish the storage building fire.

The home which was rented by the occupants had extensive damage to both the exterior and to one room at the back of the house. But heavy smoke spread throughout the home. Firefighters used ventilation fans to get rid of the smoke.

Firefighters estimated damages at around $15,000.

Two adults and two children had evacuated the home before firefighters arrived. No one was injured.

Due to the fire, smoke and water damage, the family was displaced. They are being assisted by the Salvation Army.

The cause of the fire is under investigation.

Also assisting at the scene were the Columbus Police Department, Columbus Regional Health Ambulance Service, Bartholomew County Emergency Dispatch Center, Columbus City Utilities, CenterPoint Energy and Duke Energy.