Fire officials have determined the cause of a central Pine Bluff fire Wednesday was the use of a gas-powered generator inside the home.
The family was using the generator for electricity and had it in an enclosed room in the back end of the house, Lt. Harold Clark, Pine Bluff Fire and Emergency Services Department spokesman, said Thursday. No one was injured in the fire at 1302 Linden St.
“We strongly encourage everyone — if you’re going to use a generator — only use it outside your home,” Clark said. “If you use it in an enclosed space — especially with the heat like it is — the fumes will build up and there is a chance of ignition. We want to caution everyone against doing something like that.”
The fire started at about 4:30 p.m. Wednesday and Clark said firefighters were at the scene for about four hours. Shortly into fighting the fire, the roof collapsed and the structure was not safe for firefighters to enter. The piles of debris could have contained pockets of fire, Clark said, so although the fire was basically under control by about 5 p.m., firefighters remained at the scene for much longer to make sure it was completely out.
At the scene Wednesday, Alicia Roberts Debrow said her husband Gregory Debrow was the only family member at home when the fire broke out, although she and their six children would have normally been home at that time of day.
In addition to work to prevent anyone from being injured, Clark said another major concern was preventing the fire from spreading to two nearby houses.
Officials with the Red Cross will be assisting the family. The Southeast Arkansas Red Cross chapter can be reached at 534-7312.