FINLEY – A residential fire Wednesday afternoon seriously damaged a Finley home and resulted in a family being unable to stay there until repairs are made.

The fire, reported at 4:08 p.m., occurred at 3245 Stone Drive, according to Lakeport Fire Protection Chief Ken Wells.

A 15-year-old male was in the kitchen making French fries and then left the room to eat, and neglected to turn off the stove, which was the source of the fire, Wells explained.

Wells said the fire extended up the wall and into the single story home's attic.

The children in the home – which in addition to the 15-year-old included an 11-year-old male and a 9-month-old baby – and their mother were safely evacuated, while the teenager ran to get a garden hose, which Wells said he put through the window to douse the fire.

“It was almost out by the time we got there,” Wells said.

Lakeport Fire sent eight firefighters, a ladder truck, two engines, a medic unit, with Wells also responding. Kelseyville Fire, which has a mutual aid agreement with Lakeport Fire, sent two firefighters and an engine, Wells said.

Firefighters were on scene about two hours, he said.

The Red Cross was called because the home's condition was such that Wells said the family couldn't stay there.

“They definitely needed some help,” he added.

The family received food and emergency shelter, but likely won't be able to return to the home for some time until a contractor can come and make repairs, Wells said.

The kitchen was a total loss, with smoke damage through other parts of the house. Wells did not have an estimate for the damages.

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