A family of seven escaped a house fire about 4:30 a.m. Tuesday at 508 Washington St. in Rockford.
An occupant smelled smoke and discovered burning embers falling from the ceiling in the bedroom. He awoke his sleeping family members, got them outside and called 911, according to information from the Rockford Fire Department.
Rockford Fire Department firefighters say that when they arrived, the family was outside the house. Family dogs were still being rescued. Smoke was coming from the eaves of the structure.
Firefighters had to pull down the ceiling to attack the fire. It took about 20 minutes to put the fire out.
Investigators believe the fire was accidental and electrical in nature. The family was displaced.
No people or pets were reported injured.
Firefighters estimated fire damage at about $30,000.
Jeff Kolkey writes about government, economic development and other issues for the Rockford Register Star. He can be reached via email at jkolkey@rrstar.com and on X @jeffkolkey.
This article originally appeared on Rockford Register Star: Family of 7 escapes early morning house fire in Rockford
Reporting by Jeff Kolkey, Rockford Register Star / Rockford Register Star
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