The Cedartown Fire Department was called out to a Brooks Street residence around 9:45 a.m. Monday after neighbors mistook steam for a house fire.

According to a fire department spokesman, the Cedartown Police Department arrived on the scene first and made forced entry into the house. What appeared to be smoke was visible emanating from the attic of the house. A car was parked in the driveway and police officers were concerned that someone might be inside the house and needing assistance.

When firefighters arrived, the "smoke" was identified as steam. The source was a pressure relief valve on a water heater, which in the case of this house is vented into the attic.

Cool outside temperatures contributed to the illusion, as escaping steam remained dense and looked like smoke to neighbors.

Firefighters were wrapping up around 10:05 a.m. when a resident of the home showed up after being contacted, apparently by neighbors.