(Royal)– Fire and heavy smoke caused over 50-thousand dollars worth of damage to a home in Royal over the weekend.
Royal firefighters were called to 510 Meadow Street around 5:00 p.m. Saturday. Upon arrival they found heavy smoke coming from the home.
The home is owned by Jason Howe of Royal and was being rented by Melissa Scott and her two children. At the time of the fire, the home was occupied by friends of Scott. A female in the home was taken to Spencer Hospital with smoke inhalation. A male occupant was uninjured, but a dog and cat perished in the fire.
Deputy State Fire Marshal Dave Schipper was called to assist in the investigation into a cause. He ruled the blaze was accidental, originating in a breezeway that connected the house and garage. Combustibles placed next to a propane heater ignited and spread throughout the breezeway. Firefighters were able to contain the fire to the breezeway, but there was heavy smoke damage throughout the entire home.
Schipper says the home may be a total loss due to smoke damage.
Firefighters from Royal and Everly were on the scene about two hours Saturday evening.
(Story from Danielle Hitchings of sister station KDWD Hot 100 in Spencer.).
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