Quick response by law enforcement averted what could have been much worse.
At 1:27pm the Lawrence County Dispatch Center received a 911 call from an apartment located in the 100 block of Church Street in Portia reporting an oven fire.
Portia Fire Department was paged, Chief Bryan Archer of the Black Rock Police Department was in the area and responded to the call for help.
Chief Archer arrived on scene within moments and reported smoke showing from the residence.
Chief Archer was able to knock the fire down quickly, Lawrence County Sheriff’s Deputies responded and assisted with evacuating the remainder of the apartments.
A medical unit from MedicOne was dispatched for minor injuries. Hoxie Fire Department was requested to assist.