The Washington County Sheriff’s Office was notified of a house fire, at 5243 High Ridge Trail, in Trenton Wednesday evening, August 26 at 6:09 p.m. Washington County. Washington County Sheriff’s Deputies, Newburg Fire Department and Newburg Rescue responded to the scene.

The homeowner called 911 and stated there was a fire in his basement and believed the dehumidifier was on fire. The homeowner successfully extinguished the fire, using a household fire extinguisher. The residence quickly filled with black smoke. The homeowner and his wife safely evacuated the home.

Sheriff’s deputies arrived on scene and made entry to the residence to confirm the fire was out. Newburg fire personnel arrived on scene and verified the fire was extinguished and checked for any hot spots in the basement ceiling. Firefighters removed burned debris from the basement, including a heavily damaged dehumidifier, an extension cord, basement ceiling tiles and insulation. Newburg fire personnel ventilated the home to clear the smoke from the interior. The fire was contained to the basement workshop area.

The residence is a single-family home and sustained minimal fire damage to the basement, but suffered significant smoke damage throughout the house. Estimated damage to the property is $120,000.

The homeowner was transported to the hospital and treated for smoke inhalation. There were no injuries to first responders or fire personnel. The cause of the fire appears accidental, originating in the area of the dehumidifier.