Family Escapes Fire at Skyline Drive Home

A battery-operated smoke alarm is being credited for a family’s quick escape from a house fire Tuesday morning in Lemon Grove.

Heartland Fire & Rescue crews responding to an emergency call of a residential fire at about 9:10 a.m. found thick smoke pouring out the front door and a side bedroom window of the single-story home on the 1500 block of Skyline Drive, authorities said.

Firefighters from Lemon Grove, La Mesa and El Cajon battled the blaze, confining the fire to a single bedroom. There was extensive smoke damage throughout the whole house, however.

According to authorities, the smoke alarm was melted from the fire’s heat—but was still emitting warning sounds when crews entered the burning home.

The occupants—three adults and 10 children—were displaced by the blaze. They are being assisted by the American Red Cross.

Damage to the structure and its contents is estimated at approximately $75,000. The cause of the fire is under investigation.