Bannertown fire displaces 12

A family of 12 in Bannertown was reportedly displaced from its residence following a house fire Thursday evening at 2309 Westfield Drive.

According to Bannertown Volunteer Fire Department Chief Chris Baker the fire was quite literally across the street from the fire house.

The call came in at 6:03 p.m. and given the close proximity of the fire to the station Baker said the location “worked out in our favor.”

With assistance from the Four Way Volunteer Fire Department, Franklin Volunteer Fire Department, and Mount Airy Fire Department the incident was brought under control within 45 minutes. Baker thanked Surry County EMS and the Fire Marshal for their help as well.

The initial determination from the Fire Marshal’s Office is that the fire was caused accidentally.

He said a kitchen fire appears to be the culprit. As one of the members of the household went into the kitchen, he said, flames were seen coming up from around a cooking pot on the stove.

The home was seriously damaged in the fire and Baker said he did not think it was inhabitable at this time. The American Red Cross was contacted to help the family of twelve who were displaced by the fire.

Baker said no one was hurt but unfortunately one of the family’s pets, a dog, was killed in the fire.

The Rotary Club of Mount Airy and Mount Airy City Schools both put out a request for assistance in collecting money for gift cards for food, noting the family has no place to cook anything.

Residents who may want to help are directed to visit Mount Airy Schools Central Office at 351 Riverside Drive.