A family was forced from their West Hartford home by a fire Thursday afternoon.
Fire officials said crews were called to the home at 65 Brightwood Lane around 6:15 p.m. for a reported garage fire. When firefighters arrived there were flames coming from the garage that had extended to the house. The billowing smoke could be seen from Interstate 84.
The family, including young children, escaped the house unharmed. Fire officials said the location of the home, the building style and the pitch of the street made it difficult to fight the fire, which was placed under control over an hour later at 7:51 p.m.
Hartford fire crews also responded to the scene to assist.
Fire officials said it appears the fire may have been started by cooking, though the exact cause is under investigation.
The American Red Cross is available to help the family.
