The two-story house remains standing, but ruined by the Thursday evening fire. / Courtesy photo by Derrick Paul
By Sharyn L. Decker
Lewis County Sirens news reporter
CHEHALIS – The blaze that destroyed a Winlock home originated around the wood stove, Fire Investigator Derrick Paul said today.
Paul said he didn’t know exactly what happened, whether maybe something was left to close or its pipe failed.
What he does know for sure is a smoke alarm alerted the sleeping occupant, enabling him to get out.
“Without a doubt, it would have been a different story if he did not have working smoke detectors,” Paul said.
The resident had lit his wood stove before going to bed, he works a night shift, according to authorities.
Crews responding to the Thursday evening call at the 200 block of Walter Road found heavy flames at the front of the two-story house.
He was able to escape, but sustained a little bit of smoke inhalation, Paul said. And, he suffered second-degree burns on his feet from walking over melted linoleum on his way out, he said.
Lewis County Fire District 15 Assistant Chief Kevin Anderson said yesterday the residence and its contents are a total loss.
Tags: By Sharyn L. Decker, news reporter
Professional?
That is a great assessment Firefighter Derrick Paul, but you should really mute your negative comments after responding to a call VINTAGE APARTMENTS. Your comments I found were very offensive , and I don’t even live there. I was just passing through. Talking crap and laughing down the hallways is NOT COOL! NOT COOL IN ANY SITUUATION!