On April 13, just after 1:30 p.m., Lebanon Fire Department Engine 212 was dispatched to 1017 Lafayette Ct. on a report of an active smoke detector that had been triggered and sounding in a neighboring residence for approximately 30 minutes.
Lebanon Police Department officers were reportedly dispatched to the scene, and upon arrival, they advised that smoke was visible. The officers attempted to force the door open and clear the residence of occupants, and the call was upgraded to a structure fire with additional fire apparatuses being dispatched around two minutes later.
Police officers advised that they did not find anyone in the residence, but they were unable to access a back bedroom due to poor conditions.
Engine 212 arrived on the scene and reported heavy smoke visible inside the residence, establishing command of the scene and marking out with a fire attack, authorities report. The primary search found that no one was in the residence, and the attack crews were able to bring the fire under control.
Additional apparatuses arrived on the scene and assisted to ensure that no fire extension was prevalent in the attic, and the additional personnel performed an overhaul of operations in the residence.
The family in the unit are displaced due to the amount of fire and smoke damage to the residence and are being assisted by the Salvation Army, authorities report.
Lebanon Fire Department investigators were on scene and conducted an origin and cause investigation at the time of the incident, and based upon initial observations and statements gathered from on-scene personnel, the cause was determined to be electrical in nature, authorities report. The investigation is closed at this time.
Two officers were evaluated by Boone County EMS on scene due to smoke inhalation but were ultimately released. No additional injuries were reported as a result of the incident.
