UPDATE: Fire in New Concord

A family in New Concord is chased from their home after a fire break out,

Three people who rent the home at 212 West Main Street got out safely Wednesday night. The New Concord Fire Department said they got the call around 10:30 p.m.

“We got there and there was significant fire on the first floor, crews made entry extinguished the fire and ensured that no one else was in the home,” said Captain, Matthew Hamsher of the New Concord Fire Department.

In addition to the three safe residents two dogs were also rescued, but unfortunately the family did lose two ferrets and a rabbit in the fire that investigators say was caused by an alternative heat source.

“From all indications it appears that an alternative heat source was used. It shorted out the electrical system and that caused a mattress to catch on fire which caused the fire event at the home,” said Hamsher.

The family is currently staying with family members who live in the area and have been contacted by the Red Cross for additional assistance.