2-23-2010
Durham NC.
By KEITH UPCHURCH
kupchurch@heraldsun.com; 419-6612
DURHAM -- Fire damaged three houses in Durham and displaced a dozen residents, but no one was critically injured in the unrelated blazes, fire officials reported. Firefighters got the first call about 8 p.m. Saturday at a house under construction at 2813 Prospect Parkway off Wake Forest Highway in eastern Durham, according to Capt. Mark Law of the Durham Fire Department. The Bethesda Volunteer Fire Department also responded. Two propane space heaters were being used at the house to dry Sheetrock, Law said, and one heater burned an 8-foot hole in the floor. The heater then fell into the basement, he said. No one was home at the time and no firefighters were injured, he said. Damage to the house was estimated at $30,000. Another house fire broke out later that night. Firefighters were called to a home at 610 Red Oak Ave., off Fayetteville Street, about 10 p.m. Heavy smoke was visible when they arrived, Law said. Four occupants were displaced, and the Red Cross is helping them with temporary housing. No one was injured. The fire, caused by overheated oil on a stove, started in the kitchen and spread into the attic, he said. The house suffered extensive damage. Then on Sunday morning, a fire broke out at a house at 202 Northwood Circle in the Old North Durham neighborhood, displacing eight residents, according to Law. One occupant suffered minor burns on his feet, but was not transported to the hospital. Law said the Red Cross is providing housing. Firefighters were called about 10 a.m. and were at the scene one hour and 40 minutes. Damage was estimated at $38,000 to the single-family house and its contents. The blaze was caused by food left unattended on a stove, Law said. (HS)