The West Fargo Fire Department responded to a house fire on the 700 block of 17th Avenue W. early Thursday morning.
A volunteer firefighter was returning to his home after responding to a different fire call and observed a deck fire at the residence. The firefighter ensured the residents inside of the house were safely evacuated and then called the fire into dispatch around 1:15 a.m.
When firefighters arrived on the scene, the fire had spread to the attic. After assessing the scope of the fire, the West Fargo Fire Department contacted the Fargo Fire Department for a Rapid Intervention Team (RIT) to stand by.
The fire was extinguished and fire crews left the scene around 4 a.m. While working to get the blaze under control, a West Fargo firefighter fell through decking material and injured his ankle. Another West Fargo firefighter fell of a small ladder and injured his elbow. As a precaution, both firefighters were taken to the hospital to be evaluated for their injuries.
The fire caused extensive damage and the residence is a total loss. The West Fargo Fire Department and State Fire Marshal’s office will be investigating the cause of the fire.
The West Fargo Fire Department would like to continue to remind the community to be mindful of the dry conditions in the area and take extra precautions to eliminate any risk of fire, like soaking burned materials, such as cigarettes or campfires, in water. For more information on fire safety and prevention tips, please visit the American Red Cross Home Fire Preparedness website.