Smoke alarm helps Prosser family of 8 escape fire

A Prosser family of eight managed to escape their burning home safely on Thursday thanks to a smoke detector.

“The fire appears to have started in the basement and traveled up the walls into the attic causing extensive damage throughout the home,” said Chief Doug Merritt of West Benton Fire & Rescue. The cause is still under investigation.

He said 18 firefighters responded shortly after 2 a.m. to the blaze at the older, two-story home at 1120 Sheridan Ave., where flames could be seen shooting out of the roof.

The severe cold weather hampered firefighting efforts.

Units from Benton fire districts 2 and 4, the Grandview Fire Department and the Sunnyside Fire Department assisted at the scene.

The Red Cross responded to help the family, including three adults and five children.

Mustangs 4 Mustangs in Prosser is helping, as well.

A coordinator said the Jackson family is staying in a hotel room and needs clothes and other items.

Mustangs 4 Mustangs is seeking donations of ladies pants size 12, shirts size large, shoes size 6, boys sizes 3T and 8, large shirts for young men and size 34 by 31 pants and girls size 12. Socks and underwear also are needed. Visit the Mustangs 4 Mustangs Facebook page for additional information.

Donations are being collected at the Prosser Chevron station next to Starbucks, 20 Merlot Drive.

This story was originally published January 5, 2017 at 7:58 AM with the headline "Smoke alarm helps Prosser family of 8 escape fire."