Couple Displaced after Early Morning Fire

GREGG COUNTY — A Longview couple was displaced from their home early this morning after fire department officials said the residents waited an hour to call for help. Fire Marshal Johnny Zackary said firefighters were dispatched at about 3:30 to the 2100 block of Eckman Street in connection with a residential house fire. Zackary said the couple who lived in the home reported smelling smoke an hour before flames dropped down from the attic into the living area.

Despite the delay in contacting the fire department, Zackary said the fire was contained to the attic and no one was injured. Officials are looking at the electrical system closely to determine what caused the fire. Damage was estimated around $10,000.