EAST ROCKINGHAM — A woman and two small children escaped a fire at their Mill Road home early Wednesday afternoon.
The East Rockingham Fire Department was dispatched to the scene at 12:24 p.m. and firefighters were able to gain control “almost immediately,” according to Deputy Chief Bill Bayless.
There were no flames showing, but heavy smoke was coming from the home when crews arrived, he said.
Bayless said the fire started on the kitchen stove and burned up the wall and through the cabinets to the attic, but crews were able to extinguish it before it caused any structural damage.
He added that there was a man outside when they arrived who was having trouble breathing. Bayless said that man was sent to the hospital to be treated for smoke inhalation.
Firemen also saved the family dog, which they didn’t know was in the house until they found him, according to Bayless.
The Hamlet Fire Department was called in for additional manpower and Cordova Fire and Rescue responded to provide extra water, he said.
The family was renting the home and is being assisted by the American Red Cross, according to Bayless.
