Family escapes early-morning fire

Greenville Fire/Rescue crew remains on the scene of an early morning fire that began about 2:30 a.m. Friday, officials said.

Capt. B.H. Davenport said two adults and one juvenile escaped the fire at 312 Prince Road without injury.

The fire crew continues to work to put out any remaining "hotspots" in the 9,600 square foot home, he said.

"It was a 9,600 square foot house, and that was a big challenge," Davenport said. "The owner had done extensive additions onto the structure."

Davenport said the original home was about 1,700 square feet.

Cindy Challender, a neighbor who lives adjacent to the Prince Road home, said the initial response from the fire department was inadequate for the size of the structure.

"There was a delayed response, and it's unfortunate," she said.

Challender and her husband Chris said officials with the department responded to the fire on Prince Road, where homes are smaller. The 9,600 square foot home backs up to Lori Drive, which provided the best access for officials to fight the fire, the Challenders said.

"The homes on (Prince Road) are generally small, brick ranches that are 1,500 to 1,700 square feet," said Chris Challender, who said he is also the insurance agent for homeowner Donald Stanley.

The Challenders said neighbors were on the phone pleading for the fire department to send additional trucks and crew to Lori Drive to fight the blaze. They said only one fire engine was originally sent to the Eastwood development.

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Family escapes early-morning fire