Family escapes Punta Gorda house fire caused by old arcade machine

PUNTA GORDA, Fla. (WINK)—An early morning house fire in the Deep Creek community was caused by an older arcade game machine, according to fire officials.

Charlotte County Fire & EMS responded to a residential structure fire on Navigator Road at approximately 6:51 a.m., according to a press release.

Responding crews observed a visible column of smoke while enroute. Firefighters found fire showing from two sides of the home upon arrival and immediately began fire attack.

All occupants had safely evacuated the home prior to firefighters' arrival, and there were no pets inside. Crews brought the fire under control and extinguished it. There were no injuries reported.

The American Red Cross was requested to assist the displaced family. Following an investigation by a Charlotte County Investigator, the fire was determined to be accidental.

The investigator found the fire originated in an older arcade game machine inside the home.