According to Bridgeport Fire Department Chief Phil Hart, the cause of an early morning fire on Nov. 5 off of Oral Lake road at 384 Sandy Hollow Road has been determined.

 

The West Virginia State Fire Marshal’s office was brought in to assist in determining the cause. They joined staff from the city’s fire department in that investigation.

 

The good news is that nothing criminal was found, said Hart.

 

“After an investigation of the fire by the State Fire Marshal’s office and the Bridgeport Fire Department the cause has been determined to be an electrical short in the attic above the kitchen,” said Hart.

 

The a.m. blaze was called in at 12:16 a.m. Although there were no fatalities, Hart did report after the incident the female occupant of the home that escaped was taken to United Hospital Center by the Anmoore Fire Department for smoke inhalation. The female occupant also was the individual calling 911.

 

Upon arrival, Hart said there was heavy fire in the kitchen and attic area. He said flames were venting through the roof and two windows. The fire was contained, he said, to those areas, but the rest of the house had extensive heat and smoke damage.

 

 Hart also praised Captain Steve Gallo and the duty staff for quickly controlling the fire. He said that was done and additional resources as part of the mutual aid agreement in place worked well with Anmoore Flemington, Shinnston and Stonewood responding.