On Wednesday, September 29 at approximately 1109, the Essex Junction Fire Department was dispatched to respond to 5 Roscoe Court in the Village of Essex Junction for a residential smoke detector activation.

Engine 7 was on the air driver training and responded immediately, arriving within four minutes. The alarm was reported by a neighbor who was walking their dog and heard the alarm.

Ladder 3 responded and arrived, assisting Engine 7 personnel with investigation. Personnel noted smoke stained windows on the second floor and requested Essex Fire be dispatched. Personnel stretched one attack line from Engine 7 and forced entry into the residence, advancing the line to the second floor while Engine 7's chauffeur hand stretched supply line to a hydrant and Ladder 3's chauffeur placed the aerial ladder.

Personnel encountered near zero visibility and mild heat as they advanced up the stairs. Once on the second floor, personnel found a bed on fire in one of the bedrooms. The fire was quickly extinguished and personnel began to ventilate the structure. All searches were negative as there was no one home at the time of the fire.

Investigation revealed the cause of the fire to be accidental. Fire and heat damage was contained to the bedroom while most of the second floor sustained smoke damage.

This incident was a great example why everyone should air on the side of caution and call 911 when they hear a smoke detector activated.