CHANA — A fire destroyed a home in the 200 block of East Main Street in Chana around 8:30 p.m. Monday night after a box alarm was called for a fire reported in the attic, according to Oregon Fire Protection District Chief Michael Knoup. Fire crews from several departments responded, including Mt. Morris, Byron, Dixon City, Stillman Valley, Flagg Center, Ashton, and Rochelle. Four residents escaped the home before firefighters arrived and no injuries were reported. Cold weather with temperatures near four degrees caused additional challenges to crews battling the blaze with equipment freezing up. The home was considered a total loss.
Chief Knoup also noted the home appeared to have no working smoke detectors.
”The residents were able to make it out safely. But I can’t stress the importance of working smoke detectors, checking them on a regular basis so that everybody can make it out safe and alive,” he said.
Chief Knoup said the cause of the fire is under investigation but is believed to be electrical in nature. The Red Cross has been contacted to assist the displaced.