BRONSON, MI – An electrical short is being cited for starting a house fire late Monday night.

A Bronson home sustained about $30,000 worth of damages to a home located at 230 Compton Street. Bronson Fire Chief Scott Wilber says they were notified by Branch County Central dispatch of the fire just before 11:30 p.m.

Upon arrival, first crews on the scene found smoke coming from the two-story home. The fire had reportedly been burning unnoticed in the attic for some time.

Wilber says flames burned through the roof within minutes of the arrival of fire crews.

The two occupants of the home were able to escape without injury. Fire crews were on the scene for two and a half hours. Damages are estimated at $25,000 to the building and $5,000 to the contents.

Wilber says this fire is a reminder of the importance of having smoke detectors in a home.