FROM:
Jerry Hanson, Deputy
Chief
DATE: February 15, 2007
For Immediate Release:
Thursday morning, Feb. 15, 2007, at just after 3 AM the North Star Volunteer
Fire Department was dispatched to a reported chimney fire at 579 Pleasure
Drive, off of Feliz, off of Persinger Drive. The caller was reporting a
fire in his house near a wood stove chimney pipe. First arriving units
reported light smoke from the building, and during the investigation found fire
in the walls and roof of the small A-Frame type home. A second alarm for
a working fire was requested by Battalion Three as well as mutual aid for one
Engine Company from the
NSVFD responded with 5 fire engines from four stations. Firefighters
entered the building and made a rapid interior attack, opened the walls and
ceiling, knocked the fire down and had the fire under control in less than 30
minutes. Firefighters remained on scene until after 5 AM checking for
extension, putting out hot spots and ensuring the fire was out. Cause of
the fire is believed to be improper installation of the single wall wood stove
chimney pipe. There was insulation packed up against the chimney pipe
collars, which allowed heat to build up, nearby materials to catch fire, which
in turn spread to the walls and to the roof.
The building’s occupant, Steven Judd, said he was sleeping near the wood
stove and said he woke up and saw the fire. Mr. Judd tried to put the
fire out with two fire extinguishers and then called 911. Mr. Judd was
the only person in the building and escaped the fire without any
injuries. There were no smoke detectors in the building. Damage to
the building is estimated at $7500, with estimated $5000 damage to the
contents. The fire penetrated the walls around and above the wood stove,
extending to the roof above. Firefighters had to remove sections of the
walls and roof, and there is smoke damage throughout the building. The
building is not insured.
The occupant was offered Red Cross for assistance, and he refused. Mr. Judd said he will be staying with family in the local area. There were no injuries as a result of this fire.
