Franklin, TN – Consumer fireworks caused a 4^th of July house fire in the Twin Oaks neighborhood last night, according to Franklin Fire Marshal Andy King.

King said that video evidence revealed the fire started on the exterior of the White Ct. home at 10:20 PM, approximately one hour after the homeowner disposed of a consumer firework next to his trash can and other combustibles. 

Neighbor Jeff LeCates discovered the fire after his dog was barking “frantically and unusually” at the door.  LeCates said he opened the door to investigate and the dog “flew past him.”  He followed and saw the neighbor’s house was on fire.  LeCates then alerted the sleeping family of three and their pets to the danger.  All escaped without harm.  (Read related story here: “Dog Instrumental in Alerting Family of Burning Home.”

Firefighters were dispatched to the residence at 10:44 PM.  King said the fire burned through the exterior soffit and involved the attic above the attached garage, causing an estimated $50,000 in damage.

 The house fire was one of numerous calls for firefighters on July 4^th.  At 8:47 PM they responded to I-65 to extricate a fatal crash victim.  At 9:14 PM they rescued kayakers who were lost after dark on the Harpeth River during the storm.  The kayakers called 911 just before their cell phone battery died.  Firefighters located them near the Forrest Crossing subdivision in an area with steep banks and helped them to safety.  They were uninjured.  At 9:20 PM firefighters responded to a grass fire, also in the Forrest Crossing subdivision, which was also caused by consumer fireworks.

 Consumer fireworks are prohibited in Franklin.

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