No injuries were reported when a fire started on the front porch of the Chris Johnson home at 432 East McMackin Street in Salem Monday afternoon.
Salem Fire Protection District officials say Johnson and his son were in the home when the fire started that quickly spread to the entire front porch and into the attic.
Assistant Chief Bill Fulton says while they know where the fire started, the exact cause has not been determined. He reports substantial damage to the front end of the home and heat and smoke damage throughout the rest of the home. There were several explosions which are believed to be propane tanks for the BBQ grill which was not being used at the time.
Fulton says the fire also spread to the attic which resulted in a number of ceiling tiles in the front portion having to be pulled down to get to the burning blown in insulation.
Odin Firemen provided mutual aid at the scene while Kell Firemen stood by at the Salem Fire Station in the event of another fire.
The fire call came in at 12:53 Monday afternoon, with firemen on the scene for about two hours.
Photo: Chad Wilkins/Wilkins Studios
Photo: Chad Wilkins/Wilkins Studios
Photo: Chad Wilkins/Wilkins Studios
Photo: Chad Wilkins/Wilkins Studios
Photo: Chad Wilkins/Wilkins Studios
