From Dan Shook
Bay City Fire Marshal
Three residents escaped uninjured from a Wadsworth residential fire at about 9 p.m. Monday, March 11.
The Wadsworth Volunteer Fire Department, the Matagorda Volunteer Fire Department, and Matagorda County Sheriff’s Office were sent to a structure fire at 90 6th St. in Wadsworth Monday, March 11.
The three were home and smelled smoke.
When investigating the smell, they identified heavy smoke in a utility room at the back of the house.
All three escaped, along with their dogs.
Wadsworth Volunteer Fire Department requested assistance from Matagorda Volunteer Fire Department.
The fire departments brought the fire under control shortly after 10 p.m., but remained on scene for another hour putting out hot spots.
The damage is estimated at $50,000 for the room and contents.
The Bay City Fire Marshal’s assistance was requested by the Matagorda County Sheriff’s Office to investigate the fire.
The fire marshal investigated the fire and determined it to be accidental due to arcing electrical wiring.
The residents escaped injury because they were awake and smelled the smoke.
A working smoke detector will alert residents to a fire when they are asleep or cannot smell the smoke.
Install a working smoke detector in each bedroom and on each floor of a residence.
Test smoke detectors monthly to ensure they are working properly.
Change batteries according to the manufacturer’s recommendations.