Weekend Fire Causes Extensive Damage to Smithville Home

A midnight fire caused extensive damage to the residence of Wendy Bowling at 417 Hayes Street in Smithville Friday night/Saturday morning.
Central dispatch received the call Saturday morning at 12:04 a.m.
Ms Bowling said she, her husband Kevin and children 9 year old Chantz and 5 year old Briella were asleep when they were awakened by a smoke alarm. The family discovered the fire coming from a back room in the home and escaped unharmed. Ms. Bowling told WJLE that the smoke alarm may very well have saved their lives.
Smithville Fire Chief Charlie Parker said while the fire started in the rear portion of the home, it spread to other parts of the house causing substantial damage.
The cause is undetermined.
In addition to the Smithville Volunteer Fire Department, the Smithville Police Department was also on the scene.