Residents Escape out Window during Longview Duplex Fire

LONGVIEW � Significant damage was sustained, but residents were able to escape through a window after a Longview duplex caught fire. Just after 1:00 Monday morning, according to KETK, fire crews responded to a residential fire at 1213 Hughey Drive. Upon arrival, fire crews found heavy fire and smoke coming from the rear of the building. The occupants credit the sounding of the smoke alarm for saving their lives. The bedroom door was closed and slowed the smoke from entering the bedroom. They attempted to open the door, but were unable to escape down the hall due to the smoke conditions. They then broke out the window of the bedroom and were able to escape.

One of the people was able to unlock the front door once he got outside, and let the two family dogs escape. The dogs were reportedly waiting at the door ready to leave the building. There were no injuries to either the occupants or the pets. According to fire investigators, the fire cause has been narrowed down to the wall outlet plug. There was a space heater plugged into that outlet, where the fire originated. The fire caused approximately $35,000 in damage. Three people lived in the 1213 Hughey Drive portion of the duplex, with 2 family pets; the 1211 Hughey Side of the residence had 2 occupants and 3 family pets. All the occupants are being taken care of by family.