Fire Chief Vaughan Dumas sizes up the scene at a fire in a vacant Wednesday morning in Orange. Photo courtesy of the Orange Volunteer Fire Department.
A vacant home in Orange was damaged Wednesday morning by a fire that was quickly brought under control, despite presenting firefighters with some challenges.
Orange volunteer firefighters were dispatched to 753 Mapleview Rd. in Orange around 6:50 a.m., according to Fire Chief Vaughan Dumas. On arrival, smoke was seen coming from the home’s roof and walls. Flames could be seen inside the single-story home.
“Alert neighbors spotted the smoke and called 9-1-1,” Dumas said. “We had equipment and personnel on the scene within minutes and were able to get inside to find the seat of the fire and extinguish it quickly.”
Firefighters attempted to enter the structure through the front door but encountered a weakened floor. Access was gained through the rear door and firefighters located the fire in the basement. The fire was brought under control minutes after arrival.
There were no injuries, but the fire caused approximately $50,000 in damage to the basement and first floor of the newly renovated home.
The cause of the fire is being investigated by the Orange Fire Marshal’s Office. The Orange Volunteer Fire Department received assistance from the Woodbridge Fire Department. Also on the scene were units from American Medical Response, the Orange Police Department and the Orange Fire Marshal’s Office.