http://hamptonroads.com/2010/12/newport-news-garage-fire-blamed-chimney-sparks
Newport News garage fire blamed on chimney sparks
By Cindy Clayton
The Virginian-Pilot
© December 7, 2010
NEWPORT NEWS
An overnight garage fire has officials reminding residents to be careful about how they burn and store firewood during the winter months.
Firefighters were called about 11:30 p.m. to the garage blaze in the 100 block of Pear Ave. and found smoke and flames when they arrived. The blaze was out a few minutes later, but the flames heavily damaged the detached garage and the heat melted siding on the adjacent home.
No injuries were reported. The estimated damage to the garage was $16,000.
The fire was caused because sparks from the chimney of a central wood-burning boiler likely ignited some wood stored beside the garage, fire officials said. The chimney should have had a spark arrester.
Fire officials recommend having all chimneys cleaned and inspected by a licensed professional once a year to be sure they are safe to use. Only hardwoods that have been cured should be burned in fireplaces or stoves. Chimneys that are used often should be cleaned several times a year.
Spark arresters should be installed on chimneys to keep sparks from escaping.
Newport News garage fire blamed on chimney sparks
By Cindy Clayton
The Virginian-Pilot
© December 7, 2010
NEWPORT NEWS
An overnight garage fire has officials reminding residents to be careful about how they burn and store firewood during the winter months.
Firefighters were called about 11:30 p.m. to the garage blaze in the 100 block of Pear Ave. and found smoke and flames when they arrived. The blaze was out a few minutes later, but the flames heavily damaged the detached garage and the heat melted siding on the adjacent home.
No injuries were reported. The estimated damage to the garage was $16,000.
The fire was caused because sparks from the chimney of a central wood-burning boiler likely ignited some wood stored beside the garage, fire officials said. The chimney should have had a spark arrester.
Fire officials recommend having all chimneys cleaned and inspected by a licensed professional once a year to be sure they are safe to use. Only hardwoods that have been cured should be burned in fireplaces or stoves. Chimneys that are used often should be cleaned several times a year.
Spark arresters should be installed on chimneys to keep sparks from escaping.
