SPRINGFIELD, W.Va. — An apparent electrical fire Monday afternoon displaced a Springfield family who was not at home at the time of the incident.

The 3:25 p.m. fire at the James Swisher residence on state Route 28 was discovered by employees of a nearby AmeriGas business, who then ran to rescue a dog from inside the burning single-story residence.

Springfield Volunteer Fire Company Assistant Chief Jerry Loudin said first firefighters at the scene reported heavy fire at the rear of the building.

“Substantial damage occurred, but the fire was confined to three rooms at the rear of the residence,” said Loudin.

Damage was estimated at $40,000 to the structure and $20,000 to its contents.

Loudin said the fire originated in a rear bedroom and appeared to be electrical.

“This is the second fire this month where closed interior doors prevented the residence from being destroyed,” he said.

“The door of any room that is not in use should be closed to prevent the spread of fire. One of the occupants in this fire said she closed the doors before she went out and that saved the residence.”

Loudin said the family, including Swisher’s wife and daughter, were provided immediate assistance by the American Red Cross.

The incident was handled by volunteer firefighters from Springfield, Romney, Fort Ashby and Levels companies following alert by the Hampshire County 911 Center.

Contact Jeffrey Alderton at jlalderton@times-news.com.