Frigid Early Morning Evacuation

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CENTERVILLE- This was the scene at 6:00am this morning at 256 Stoney Cliff Road.  Four were able to get out safely after the homeowner smelled smoke and reported the house was on fire.  Wind chills were reported below zero and water seemingly turned to ice as soon as it hit the open air.  Firefighters quickly knocked down the blaze in under 15 minutes, while residents in pajamas temporarily endured the bitter cold. 

The fire started outside the building, involving shingles, leaves, and an outdoor shower.  Although the fire is still under investigation, officials are looking at an outdoor pellet stove vent coming in contact with leaves as a possible cause.

At 6:15am firefighters were ensuring that there were no longer any hot spots, while a Barnstable Police Supervisor summoned a town highway crew to sand the local ice-covered streets, making them safe for passage for the morning commute.