Copyright 2006 The Omaha World-Herald Company
By JENNIFER GREFF
Omaha World-Herald (Nebraska)
An Omaha firefighter responded to a fire at his own house about 10 a.m. today.
The fire started in the basement, most likely from a photograph that fell off a mantle and onto a wood-burning stove used to heat the home, Battalion Chief Joe Fuxa said.
The split-level home is at 4479 Shady Lane Circle.
Firefighter John McDonnell heard the call at 9:50 a.m. and quickly realized it was his home.
“When ... it’s your address, your heart sinks and you get a gut-wrenching in your stomach,” Fuxa said.
The fire was extinguished within a few minutes. The basement and main floor sustained heavy smoke damage, and the basement sustained heavy water damage, Fuxa said.