Ross Fire Marshal: Lilac Avenue House Fire Accidental

Ross Township  Fire Marshal John Reubi said the fire, was likely accidental, and started beneath the steps of the rear deck.

"The homeowner had recently used the wood burner inside his home," said Reubi. "He placed the ashes in a metal container, outside, underneath the steps of the deck, and it was apparently too close to some sort of combustible material."

Jeffrey Heyl, his wife, son and daughter were awoken just before 8 a.m. Friday morning by neighbors pounding on their doors. They escaped in their pajamas and bare feet.

"At least we all got out," said Heyl. "That's all that matters."

Heyl and his family are staying with relatives. "We've also gotten some help from the American Red Cross," he said.

It took firefighters more than two hours to contain the blaze. A large portion of the roof collapsed, along with the rear deck. 

The Heyl family has been out late Thursday, with thousands of others, doing some Black Friday shopping.

"The owner stated he didn't get home until early this morning, all of those presents are lost in the fire," Reubi said.

You can see more pictures from the fire on our Facebook Page.

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