Stillwater Fire Crews Extinguish House Fire on Owens Street

Firefighters extinguished a house fire in the 400 block of Owens Street North Wednesday night. No one was injured.

First responders were called at about 10:12 p.m. Wednesday for a report of a possible fire on the second floor of a single-family home, Stillwater Fire Department Capt. Chris Zeuli said.

Police were first on the scene and reported all residents safely made it out of the home. Police confirmed there was a working structure fire on the second floor of the home.

Firefighters arrived and entered the home.

“Light smoke was visible on the first floor so we made our way to the upper stair landing where we encountered heavy black smoke and heat,” Zeuli said. “After searching the second floor bedrooms and hallway we found the fire in a back bedroom.”

The fire was extinguished is a short amount of time, Zeuli said. A second crew of firefighters was sent into the home to help with suppression and overhaul.

When the second engine and ladder truck arrived on the scene, a third crew was sent in to clear the first floor and shut off all utilities.

“The fire was contained to the upper floor by a quick knock down from our initial engine,” Zeuli said. “After ventilation and overhaul was complete, we found the fire had started in a couch which was located in the back bedroom.”

The cause of the fire is still under investigation at this time but appears to be unintentional, Zeulie said. As a result of the blaze, the second floor sustained major damage, but the first floor and basement of the home had very little damage. 

First responders cleared the scene at about 12:30 a.m.

Police believe a cigarette may have caused the fire, according to the incident report. The home owner reportedly told police he was smoking a cigarette on the couch that caught fire about 30 minutes before firefighters were called.