A Gilbert family’s is waking up thankful to have escaped their home after their house caught fire late Tuesday night after the fireworks, they put in their recycling bin erupted into flames.
The city of Chandler and Mesa Fire Departments responded to calls of a fire in a neighborhood near Williams Field Road and Val Vista Drive. 30 to 45 firefighters arrived to the scene to fight the fierce battle. The family, a mom and dad, 2 children, and 2 pets, safely made it out of the home after the family woke up to their smoke detectors going off and a smell of smoke. When they exited their home, they found that the side of their house was on fire and had already spread to other parts of their home.
Investigators learned that the family celebrated the 4th of July with fireworks in their backyard. Reportedly the family appeared to have followed most safety precautions with fireworks post celebration. They soaked the fireworks in a bucket for an hour and said they were cool to the touch. They then put the used firecrackers into a recycling bin. Investigators believe the fireworks later ignited in the bins next to the house. The fire immediately spread up into the attic and destroyed the entire roof of the home. It is believed the the home is a total loss.
Fire officials recommend soaking all used fireworks in a bucket of water for 24 hours before throwing them away in the trash.
Reportedly the family had just replaced all of their home smoke detectors a week and half prior. Fire fighters believe this act saved the lives of the family and want this to serve as a reminder to all to check your smoke detectors.
