FLAGG CENTER — Rochelle Fire and all Ogle-Lee Fire Protection District departments were called to a Flagg Center home for a basement fire on Monday afternoon. 

The call at 10312 E. Kuehl Ct. came in at 4:45 p.m. with a report of heavy smoke and an orange glow coming from the basement, Rochelle Fire Lt. Jeremy Good said. A box level response was called for due to the nature of the report and it being in a rural area without hydrants, but Good said the homeowner put out a lot of the fire with an extinguisher before Flagg Center Fire Department put out the rest. 

Both homeowners sustained some smoke inhalation, but refused medical treatment at the scene and opted to ride with a family member to the hospital, Good said. 

It appears the fire started due to an electrical strip melting and lighting a wall on fire, Good said. The fire was limited to a living area in the basement. Rochelle Fire estimated about $10,000 worth of damage due to the impacts of the smoke that will have to be cleaned. 

“The homeowners being home and having that extinguisher probably saved that home, or at least from a lot more damage,” Good said. 

Also responding to the call Monday was Oregon ambulance. First responders were on scene until 6:01 p.m.