House Fire on East Division Displaces Family

A house fire erupted on East Division Street in Decatur early Wednesday, causing extensive damage despite a rapid response from firefighters. Crews arrived to find flames pouring from the rear of the 1 and a half story home, primarily in the kitchen area. According to Fire Chief Neil Elder, the blaze was knocked down within 10 minutes, but the kitchen was destroyed, and the interior sustained severe damage. The family—an adult woman and four children—was not home at the time. The cause of the fire is under investigation. The American Red Cross has been called in to assist the displaced residents.