Baxter Fire Department Responds To Residential Fire

Baxter firefighters had to be treated for heat-related illness while on the scene of a fire for more than three hours Wednesday night.

Chief Matthew White said they received the call around 8 p.m. to respond to a residential fire at 144 Chestnut Street. He said when they arrived on the scene there was heavy smoke coming from both the upstairs and downstairs level of the home.

“There was extensive damage to the house, the entire upstairs pretty much was completely consumed,” White said. “The downstairs there were several rooms that were damaged. We were able to get a few items out for the family to be able to have and salvage part of the house.”

White said the fire is believed to have started in the downstairs part of the home. He said the cause of the fire is still under investigation but is believed to be accidental.

White said the firefighters experiencing heat-related illness were treated on scene and did not have to go to the hospital. He said no other injuries were reported.

“The crews got attack lines together and went in to attack the fire, met a little resistance with some heat and flames,” White said. “And with some assistance from other fire crews including the Putnam County Fire Department, we were able to get in there and get the fire extinguished in a short amount of time.”