Home’s kitchen damaged in fire

Quick action by firefighters and a working smoke detector played key roles in helping two Russellville residents escape from a kitchen fire late last week, officials said.

Russellville Fire Marshal Steve Thornton said the Russellville Fire Department was dispatched to a residence at 106 Glenwood Avenue at 1:18 a.m. Wednesday with reports of a kitchen fire.

Thornton said when firefighters arrived on the scene, smoke was visible from the residence.

“Fire crews learned there were two occupants in the home, one of which was bedridden,” Thornton said. “On duty personnel were able to quickly assist the occupants from the home and they were transported to the Russellville Hospital emergency room for evaluation.”

Thornton said the fire was contained to the kitchen area of the home with minimal damage.

“We talk a lot about the need for smoke detectors and how they can save lives, and this is a good example of the importance of everyone having working smoke detectors in their home,” Thornton said.

“The smoke detectors were sounding when our units arrived on scene and had alerted the occupants to the fire.

“I would hate to have thought about what would have happened if the home did not have working detectors. The outcome could have been a lot different.”

The RFD was assisted by Tharptown Volunteer Fire Department due to limited hydrant availability in this area.

The two occupants were taken to the hospital as a precaution and were released without injury.