A family is left homeless tonight after a fire swept through their East Medford home.
Around 6pm the Medford Fire Department was called out to a home on the 2400 block of Amaryllis Avenue. Witnesses say flames were shooting through the roof and threatening surrounding homes. Initially, crews believed there were people trapped inside, which prompted the two-alarm fire. Six fire engines and 20 firefighters responded to the blaze but the fire chief says fierce winds proved to be a challenge.
Dave Bierwiler, Medford Police Department’s Fire Chief, said “Wind gusts of 30mph pushing fire through a shake shingle roof toward another home.”
“Nothing you can do but stand here and watch. It’s all insured. No one was hurt.” said the homeowners father, Jerry Koble.
Thankfully the resident had left the house briefly and was not inside at the time of the fire. He was able to grab his dogs and run to safety. Crews say the ceiling and the attic were destroyed, but some family heirlooms were salvageable. Investigators are still trying to determine how the fire started.
© 2024 KOBI-TV NBC5. All rights reserved unless otherwise stated.