A Welland family escaped from a basement fire unscathed thanks to working smoke alarms.
Welland's Deputy Fire Chief Adam Eckhart says the family did everything right when they discovered smoke in the Merritt Street home.
"The mother and child exited the home after the husband went down to the basement and identified smoke and a fire condition down there. They closed the door behind them, exited the house, and called 911 right away."
An electrical appliance in the basement is getting the blame for starting the fire.
Right now Eckhart estimates the damage cost at $60,000.
Eckhart says once again smoke alarms made a big difference in the outcome of the fire.