LAKE STEVENS – A screeching smoke detector likely saved the life of a 12-year-old boy Thursday morning, fire investigators said.
The boy was asleep at home when fire broke out in the dining room. He heard the alarm and saw smoke filling up the house, Fire District 8 Deputy Chief Richard Adkins said.
The boy grabbed a phone, ran down the hall and out the front door, and called 911, Adkins said. Dan Bates / The Herald
The boy, who was off from school, was not hurt.
“He knew exactly what to do and had the sense to get out,” said Robert Marshall, the district’s fire prevention specialist.
Smoke detectors should be installed in every bedroom and on every level of a house, Marshall said. Batteries should be changed twice a year.
National studies have shown that young children don’t wake up to smoke detectors as often as teenagers and adults, he said.
“It’s a major issue. Thankfully, it worked out,” Marshall said.
Two dogs survived the fire, but three cats and several exotic birds died, Adkins said. Damage to the house was estimated at $60,000.
A family of three was renting the house in the 2500 block of 120th Drive NE. The owner offered to relocate the family to another rental house, Adkins said.
Fire investigators believe the blaze was started by a wall heater that ignited nearby boxes. The family had turned down all the heaters, but they likely clicked on during the cold night, Marshall said.
“Some of these heaters have timing elements, and even though they look like they’re off, they will come on on their own,” he said.
Firefighters are called to put out several fires a year started by heaters, Adkins said. People should remember to keep a safe space around heaters and appliances, Marshall said.
“It was a tragic loss for the family. On the other side, a life was saved by a smoke detector, and that’s awesome.”
Reporter Diana Hefley: 425-339-3463 or hefley@heraldnet.com.
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