Authorities in Montgomery County reported Saturday, that one person was seriously hurt in a house fire that morning, in Red Oak. Firefighters were called to 103 E. Oak Street at around 8:10-a.m., and upon arrival saw heavy smoke and residents climbing through through the windows to escape. Flames were also shooting out the front of the home.
Authorities said the tenant, Mandy Knapp, suffered significant burns and was treated by Red Oak Rescue personnel before being flown by LifeNet helicopter to a burn unit. A three-year old child playing with a cigarette lighter is believed to have accidentally started the blaze, when a blanket caught fire and spread to a couch. The child was not hurt.
Official says there were no working smoke detectors inside the home, which was deemed to be a total loss. The house is owned by Michael Roby. Red Oak Fire was on the scene for about two-hours, assisted by crews from the Elliott and Stanton Fire Departments, Essex Rescue, Red Oak Police and deputies with the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Department.
The Red Cross was contacted and was assisting the family as needed.