Residents Escape As Williston Firefighters Fight House Fire

The Williston Fire Department was dispatched at 1:04 p.m. by the Williams County Dispatch Center to the 1600 block of Sand Creek Drive for a reported residential structure fire.

Dispatch information indicated an active fire in a bedroom on the basement level of the home. Assistance with evacuation also was reported as needed. Because of the report of an active fire and possible rescue, a second alarm response was activated.

The response included two fire engines, a ladder truck, an ambulance, paid on call personnel and command staff. The Williston Police Department was dispatched for traffic control and scene security. Williams County and Williston Emergency Management was dispatched to assist with scene support services.

A standby response from the Trenton Fire Department was included in the second alarm assignment.

Engine 1 from Fire Station No. 1 arrived at 1:11 p.m. Occupants were observed evacuating the residence, and it was confirmed that all individuals had exited the home. The occupants reported attempting to extinguish the fire with a fire extinguisher.

Fire crews entered the residence and confirmed the fire was mostly extinguished. Overhaul operations were conducted to ensure the fire had been fully extinguished and to ventilate the structure.

Three people were transported by Williston Fire Department EMS crews to CHI St. Alexius Williston Medical Center for evaluation and treatment of smoke inhalation. An additional three individuals transported themselves to the same facility for evaluation and treatment.

Units responding included Truck 2, Engine 3, Engine 1, Medic 3, Medic 2B and command staff. All units were cleared from the scene at 2:11 p.m.

Get our free mobile app

An investigation conducted by the Fire Prevention Division determined the fire was accidental and was caused by an electronic device charging on a bed.

Officials said the extent of damage and injuries was reduced due to working smoke detectors and the availability of a portable fire extinguisher.