ELIZABETHTOWN — The Elizabethtown Fire Department responded to a reported residential structure fire that caused heavy damage at 307 Robbins Ave. on Wednesday.

“Upon arrival firefighters found heavy smoke showing from a single story brick veneer home. After an initial scene size-up by the fire department incident commander, the fire was located in the kitchen area of the home and it was determined that an offensive fire attack would be used,” said Chief Nick West.

West said no one was home at the time and no area residents were in danger.

“Firefighters were able to quickly force entry into the home and extinguish the fire, which damaged the kitchen and attic areas. No neighboring structures were damaged,” said West.

He added the preliminary investigation points to the fire starting on the stovetop, but the fire investigation is ongoing.

“The kitchen was a total loss and there was minor heat and smoke damage to the remainder of the home,” said West.

Damage to the home and contents were estimated at $65,000.00.

The Elizabethtown Fire Department was assisted by several other automatic aid departments, including White Lake, Dublin, Ammon and Clarkton fire departments as well as Bladen County Emergency Management and Bladen County EMS.

Staff report