APPLETON, Wis—A family of five is safe after an early morning basement fire.
It happened in the 200 block of N. Lawe Street at 5:30 a.m. Wednesday morning.
Crews found smoke coming from the home, and flames could be seen in a basement window.
One adult and four children were sleeping when they were awakened by smoke alarms. Everyone was able to exit safely.
The fire was contained to the basement.
The cause remains under investigation, and there is no damage estimate at this time.
The Appleton fire department says without working smoke alarms the fire could have been tragic. They remind people to test their smoke alarms monthly, and replace smoke alarms after 10 years of use. They also say it is important to practice a home escape plan.
