A Bellevue couple was already in bed when neighbors alerted them that their house was on fire. By the time they made it outside the home, fire crews from the Bellevue Fire Department already had been notified and were on their way to the 12600 block of Southeast 68th Place in Newport Hills.

Neighbors first reported the flames to 911 dispatchers at 10:50 p.m. Wednesday.

That address happens to be only several hundred yards from the closest fire station. Fire crews arrived less than 5 minutes from the time the first 911 call was made. They quickly put out the fire that was burning up an outside wall and working its way into the roof of the garage.

The homeowners reported that they were using two light bulbs and plastic tarps to keep some outdoor plants warm during the cold nights. A Bellevue fire investigator found evidence supporting that claim with one of those light bulbs found in the spot of the fire origin.

Damage estimate is about $20,000. The house remains livable for homeowners.