Fire causes $40K in damage to Washington County home, cause likely electrical

WASHINGTON COUNTY -- Firefighters on Tuesday morning, Feb. 27 responded to the scene of house fire on Lakeview Avenue in the Village of Richfield. The call came in shortly before 5:30 a.m.

According to authorities, the owner of a single-family home called the Washington County Sheriff's Office to report a possible electrical fire in his utility room.

Deputies and firefighters from the Richfield Fire Department were subsequently dispatched to the scene. Assistance was also requested from the Hartford, Jackson, Lisbon, and Slinger Fire Departments.

Upon  arrival, deputies observed a small, but rapidly growing fire originating from a wall of the utility room. Assisted by the homeowners, a total of four fire extinguishers were deployed in an attempt to suppress the fire.

Richfield firefighters were able to quickly bring the fire under control.

The fire was primarily contained to the utility room. Damage is estimated at approximately $40,000.

No one was injured.

A preliminary investigation suggests that the cause is likely electrical in nature, and does not appear to be suspicious. However, the matter remains under investigation by the Sheriff’s Office.

Lakeview Ave. south of Lake Dr. was closed for approximately 2 ¼ hours to facilitate firefighting and overhaul operations.