A home in the 100 block of Maple Street was damaged by a fire Sunday afternoon, causing serious damage to the building and minor burns to its occupant.
The New Bloomfield and Holts Summit fire protection districts were called to respond at 4:50 p.m. after residents observed smoke and flames showing from the residence. New Bloomfield Fire Chief Travis Bell said the blaze was brought under control within five minutes due to serendipitous timing.
"We had just gotten done training at the fire house, which is about half a block away," Bell said. "We were putting the truck back in the station when the call came out, so I had seven or eight guys right there ready to go."
The three-member family living there had left the home briefly and returned to find it burning. The homeowner went back inside after calling emergency services in an attempt to stop the flames, where she sustained some burns to her hand before re-evacuating. No other injuries were reported.
Bell said the home was heavily damaged by fire towards the front of the structure, while the rear half of the building sustained smoke damage. No cause has been reported at this time.