Destructive fire could have been worse

A homeowner in Mountain Rest can thank a smoke detector for saving her from injury or death.  Chief Charley Vissage of the community’s volunteer fire department says the smoke detector sounded and awoke the homeowner shortly before 4 o’clock this morning and she was able to make a telephone call to report her house on fire.  The damage estimate on Chattooga Lake Road is 75%.  Multiple fire units responded.  Vissage says the cause of that fire is being investigated, but there is no indication of foul play.  The fire is believed to have started in the vicinity of the chimney to the house.