By JON BAKER

LINCOLN  — Less than three minutes after the 2:52 p.m. call, Lonsdale Fire Chief Tim Griffin noticed smoke billowing from the chimney and side door Thursday of a small single-family ranch house at 5 Andrews Drive.

 “I knew there was an actual fire — not just smoke — going on,” he said. “It was black and banked down to the floor.”
The single-alarm blaze began in the basement, Griffin said, adding that no one was injured. The home belongs to a family of three, including a couple and their son. The chief estimated the damage to be at least $20,000.
“We know the fire started in the basement, in the area of the dryer, and the case is under investigation,” Griffin said. “I have no guess as to how it started … The dryer was damaged, as were all the contents in the area of the dryer. There was also damage to the structural posts and beams in the cellar.
“On the first floor, there's just smoke damage; the good news is nobody was home at the time,” he said.
At least a dozen vehicles responded, including Griffin (first to arrive), Lonsdale Engine 4, Albion Engine S-21, another from Quinville, Saylesville Ladder 51, Lime Rock Engine 31, two rescue units and at least two police cruisers, as well as police and fire detectives.
As neighbors and other onlookers surveyed the scene, they saw a woman holding and petting a golden cat that had reportedly been saved by a Saylesville firefighter. A man that a neighbor said was the homeowner was nearby in the driveway, talking on a cell phone.
“It was a code red call, meaning it's an actual working fire, but we put it out pretty quickly,” Griffin said. “I believe the family will be displaced at least for (Thursday night), maybe a little longer. There is water damage in the basement.”
A Lincoln High School student who asked not to be identified said he seen smoke coming from the chimney at 5 Andrews at about 2:10, when he got home from school.
 “I thought it was strange, but I figured someone was home; I had a meeting with a teacher, and – when I came back an hour later – I saw a ton of fire trucks on the streets. I was thinking, 'What the heck is going on?' I mean, I just live across the street.”
The Salvation Army Rehab Unit (also known as the Providence Canteen) arrived about 30 minutes later to provide refreshments to firefighters and fellow officers.
“It's already being investigated by the deputy state fire marshal,” Griffin said.