Fire Damages Home On Eastview Court, Students At Lincoln Elementary Safe

Last updated on Wednesday, January 10, 2018

(BEDFORD) - A fire this morning caused significant damage to a home at 17 Eastview Court, south of Lincoln Elementary School.

Firefighters from all three Bedford Fire Stations responded at 7:49 a.m. along with the fire chief, inspector and investigator.

Battalion Chief John Hughes says when the first engine arrived there was heavy black smoke and flames coming from the east side of he house.

"It had vented through the roof," he added.

Firefighters started their initial attack on the east wall and then pulled a second hose inside the front door. Duke Energy was called to the scene along with Bedford City utilities to shut off the water and power. Red Cross was also at the scene to assist the family.

"We started the attack from the inside," Hughes added. "We found the fire in the living room, family room area. There was fire and damage there and to half of the attic space."

The house belongs to Bill Pincher and his wife Sandra.

Firefighters were able to safe the family's cat.

"We were also able to get some pictures and other keepsakes out," Hughes says.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

Hughes says this is the third house fire this year his shift has responded to without working smoke detectors.

"We are batting zero for three so far," Hughes says. "And that's not good. Smoke alarms that are properly installed and maintained play a vital role in reducing fire deaths and injuries. If there is a fire in your home, smoke spreads fast and you need smoke alarms to give you time to get out."

Here are some important tips about smoke detectors:

A closed door may slow the spread of smoke, heat and fire. Install smoke alarms in every sleeping room and outside each separate sleeping area. Install alarms on every level of the home.
Smoke alarms should be interconnected. When one sounds, they all sound.
Large homes may need extra smoke alarms.
Test your smoke alarms at least once a month. Press the test button to be sure the alarm is working.
There are two kinds of alarms. Ionization smoke alarms are quicker to warn about flaming fires. Photoelectric alarms are quicker to warn about smoldering fires. It is best to use of both types of alarms in the home.
When a smoke alarm sounds, get outside and stay outside.
Replace all smoke alarms in your home every 10 years.

Parents at Lincoln School were also alerted to the house fire.

Angela Girgis, Lincoln Principal, sent out the following message:

"This is Angela Girgis, Lincoln Principal, and I wanted to let you know that there was a house fire in our neighborhood this morning as our students were arriving. I want to assure you that all precautions were taken to ensure the safety and security of our students. Mr. Conner, Mr. Ritter, law enforcement personnel and our local fire department personnel were at Lincoln to ensure that our air quality and safety were satisfactory and again all precautions were taken. Nurse Ashley is reviewing our students with health issues, and she is personally contacting parents as needed. Our staff and students demonstrated extreme kindness, compassion and care as they addressed this emergency. Their primary focus was the safety of every child. As they worked through the various layers of the concern, they did it with great calmness and common sense. I am proud of how well we handled this unexpected situation."

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