A fire caused substantial damage to a Forest River, N.D., family's home Tuesday morning, rendering the home unlivable.
The Minto Volunteer Fire Department received the call at 6:20 a.m. and arrived at the home of Deb and Bob Fossum 10 minutes later, according Assistant Fire Chief Sam Shutt.
Shutt said the Fossums, their two sons and family's two dogs escaped injury in the fire.
He said the fire started in the chimney and spread into the attic, in the process destroying three quarters of roof and the house's south wall.
"The main structure of the house is still intact, but it's not livable," Shutt said.
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The Minto Fire Department, which was aided by the Grafton Fire Department, was on the scene until 9:15 a.m.
"It probably took us 45 minutes to get the initial fire put out," Shutt said. "The rest of the time we were looking for hot spots."
He said the Fossums were able to get some items out of the house before firefighters arrived.
"There was minimal smoke damage," he said. "Most of it is going to be water damage, I just don't know how severe."
The Herald could not reach the Fossums by press time.
Bieri reports on crime and courts. Reach him at (701) 780-1118; (800) 477-6572, ext. 118; or send email to cbieri@gfherald.com .
