Functioning smoke alarms likely saved a family as fire ripped through their Howell Township house in the middle of the night, but when and if they can return is a question yet to be answered.

Townsquare Digital
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Township police say they were alerted to the blaze at about 2:17 AM by a 911 call, indicating a possible fire on Arlyn Street, that abruptly ended.

Patrolman Eric Encarnacion arrived at the smoldering dwelling and was greeted by the owner, Gary Hoffman, who told him that he, his wife Dianne, mother-in-law Theresa Julewicz and their dog had left the house and moved to the back yard, police said.

Hoffman reportedly told the officer that basement smoke detectors, and smoke rising from the bottom level, alerted the family to trouble. Hoffman said that he traced the fire to the furnace area but could not extinguish it.

Smoke grew heavier and flames began shooting from the master bedroom as Encarnacion signaled for fire department response, police said.

Firefighters from the Ramtown, Squankum, South Wall and Herbertsville squads knocked down the blaze.

The Hoffmans have arranged living space with relatives. Police said their home sustained significant damage.

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