A working smoke alarm very likely saved a woman's life Friday afternoon, Canton Fire Marshal Adam B. Libros said.
The resident of 22 Birch Knoll was home but taking a nap when fire broke out Friday afternoon. She was awoken by a working smoke alarm.
"It probably saved her life," Libros said.
Lightning struck a tree near the home and Libros believes the current traveled through an underground pet containment fence and into a bathroom area of the home's basement.
The fire was largely contained to the walls and ceiling area of the basement, he said, adding that the town of Canton Volunteer Fire and EMS Department did a wonderful job containing it with limited resources.
"They did an excellent job to stop the fire," Libros said.
Only about five volunteers were initially able to respond to the scene, Fire Chief Richard Hutchings said. With a fire in Avon and road issues in Simsbury, it was hard to get assistance from area departments, he said.
Crews from New Hartford did assist and Burlington firefighters provided backup for other incidents in town, he added.
In all about 10 to 15 firefighters ultimately responded to the scene.
While the home sustained water, smoke and fire damage, it appeared structurally sound, Libros said.
The female resident was transported to the hospital for minor issues, but officials said it was hard to determine if they were directly related to the fire.
The fire was reported shortly after 1 p.m. Officials left the scene shortly after 4 p.m.
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