GASTONIA, N.C.– The Gastonia Fire Department put out a fire that started in the chimney of a home Β just before 9a.m. Sunday.
Department officials say that they responded to a structure fire call in the Β fire 1100 Block of Clouse Street in Gastonia.Β
When Firefighters arrived on the scene, they saw a one story home with smoke coming from the roof of the structure.Β
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Gastonia firefighters then entered the home and encountered a fully involved fire in the attic of the home but managed to extinguish the flamesΒ in approximately 15 minutes.
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Officials say that a Β total of 25 personnel, and 6 apparatus responded to the call.
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No injuries to firefighters or civilians were reported and the home sustained approximately $20,000 in damages due to the fire.
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At the time of the fire, two people were in the home but made Β it out safely and are now staying with nearby family members. Β
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Officials want to remind the public to follow the below guidelines when heating residential homes with wood burning devices:
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-Have all fireplaces, wooden stoves, screens, and chimneys inspected annually by a qualified professional to ensure safety.
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-Have a working smoke detector in all rooms.
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-Keep anything that can burn at least 3 feet away from heating equipment.
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-Make sure to only burn clean and dry wood in fireplaces and wood stoves.
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-All fuel burning equipment should vent to the outside to avoid CO (carbon monoxide) poisoning.
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-Have a working CO (carbon monoxide) alarm installed on each floor of your home.
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Photo Courtesy of The Gastonia Fire Department
