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BRFD: Power lines to blame for destructive house fire Monday

5 years 4 months 2 weeks ago Monday, November 12 2018 Nov 12, 2018 November 12, 2018 4:48 PM November 12, 2018 in News
Source: WBRZ

BATON ROUGE - Firefighters believe burning power lines are to blame for a house fire in Baton Rouge Monday afternoon.

The incident was reported 2 o'clock Monday near the intersection of N. 16th Street and Chestnut Street.

Photos showed heavy smoke and flames coming from the roof of the house. Officials tell WBRZ everyone made it out of the home, however the building was a total loss.

Rosie Poke and her daughter live in the home. Poke’s sister, Ida Banks, said they were on the way home from the hospital when they got the call about the fire.

“I was trying to give it to her slow, because she just had surgery and I didn't want her to have to go through that,” said Banks.

Banks says Poke was getting radiation treatment Monday afternoon.

According to the Baton Rouge Fire Department, the fire started with burning power lines found behind the home and eventually reached the attic. The fire reportedly spread to the house before Entergy could arrive to deal with the lines, a BRFD spokesperson said.

The family says this is not the first time they have dealt with power line issues.

“The other night she came to my house because the lights went off,” said Banks. “This has been going on for the last couple of years.

Entergy says they are conducting an investigation into this incident.

Red Cross has been called to assist the residents.

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