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ALPINE — A family with three special needs adult children escaped a late night house fire without injury on Monday.
Randy Beck was watching television with his wife around midnight when they heard popping noises. When his wife went to investigate the noise, she saw smoke coming out of the back of the house.
The Becks acted quickly by getting their children out of the house, going to a neighbor's house and calling 911.
Crews from the Alpine Fire Station, located just two blocks from the Beck's home, arrived quickly.
Joseph McRae, battalion chief for the Lone Peak Fire District, said that when the crew arrived there was smoke banked to the road and flames coming from the attic.
"One of the firefighters said it looked like a ‘white out.' They couldn't even see the house, there was so much smoke," Beck said.
The fire was under control in about 10 minutes.
Chief McRae said that attic fires are harder to contain because of overbuilds, which create hollow spaces that are hard to get to.
The cause of the fire is under investigation, but the Becks have been adding an extension to their home, and it has been under construction for the past month. It is also estimated that there about $200,000 of damage to two bedrooms and the roof structure on the west side. The east side of the home and basement appear to have no damage.
"We're safe, that's the most important thing," Beck said.
The family is displaced, but they feel fortunate in their neighbors and friends.
"We just have terrific neighbors that look out for each other," Beck said. "We've had lots of calls this morning, neighbors, friends and church members who've called and offered help. Just a huge outpouring of love and help."
Beck said his family will stay with his father for the time being.
