The James City County Fire Department responded to a house fire on Argall Town Road in the First Colony subdivision Tuesday evening.
Around 5 p.m., the homeowner was in the kitchen when she heard smoke alarms going off.
She went to investigate, opened the door to the garage and saw smoke coming from a storage area, according to Battalion Chief Alton F. Catlett. When she opened the storage area’s door, she saw fire. She and the family evacuated and called 911.
“They got out,” Catlett said. “They did what they were supposed to do.”
Units from the James City County and Williamsburg fire departments responded and put out the fire.
The cause is still under investigation by the fire marshal. Damage is estimated at $20,000, including smoke damage to the home.
The incident underscores the importance of smoke detectors, said Catlett.
“The smoke alarms did exactly what they’re intended to do,” he said.
James City County residents who need help with smoke detectors can call 757-220-0626.
