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Staff Report

A Harlan home had significant damage and a firefighter was injured in a fire early Wednesday evening, fire officials said.

According to Lt. James Billings of the Harlan Fire Department, firefighters responded to the call at the residence of Harlan attorney Karen Davenport at 5:19 p.m.

Billings said while battling the blaze, firefighter Judy Johnson fell down steps and injured an arm. She was transported by Harlan EMS to Harlan Appalachian Regional Hospital where she was treated and released.

According to reports, the fire began in an air conditioning unit on the second floor of the Jerome Avenue home, which is located in the Ivy Hill community.

Davenport and one of her two daughters, Samantha, were home at the time of the fire and escaped uninjured after making the 911 call for assistance. Her younger daughter, Haley, was not at home.

Billings said the structure had “moderate fire damage and heavy water damage.” He said significant smoke damage also occurred, especially on the second floor.

“The first unit to arrive on the scene reported visible fire coming from the attic vents,” said Billings. He said the crew quickly worked to contain the blaze.

“I am proud of them,” said Billings. “It is a good group. They got in there and got the job done.”

Billings noted that it was good someone was home when the fire started or damage would have been even more substantial. He also said if the fire occurred during the nighttime hours it could have been tragic.

Numerous units from the Harlan City Police Department and the Harlan County Sheriff’s Office responded and provided traffic control and assisted firefighters. Harlan EMS personnel also assisted at the scene.

Firefighters remained on the scene until approximately 7:30 p.m.