CLAREMONT — The fire department has responded to two house fires in the past week caused by “supplemental” heating devices, prompting the department to advise homeowners of the importance of proper installation, use and maintenance of this equipment.
On Saturday just after 8:30 a.m., fire crews responded to a report of smoke at 258 Maple Ave., Chief Bryan Burr said in a news release.
The fire had spread into a partition behind a fireplace and once the wall was opened up by firefighters, the flames were quickly extinguished and the fire was declared under control at 9:07. The cause was determined to be “improper installation of the masonry chimney flue by exposing wood ash from the fire place into the building’s wooden structure,” Burr said in the release.
The home remains habitable with about $10,000 in damage.
A week earlier, on Nov. 17, a homeowner at 23 Byrd Ave., left a combustible container of wood ash on the deck, resulting in a fire that caused minor damage. There were no injuries in either fire.
“Having wood stoves and fire places inspected and cleaned is the most significant way to reduce the incidents of a fire your home,” Burr said in the release. “Also, electric heaters being placed too close to combustibles is another way a fire can start.”
The fire department or building inspector can answer questions related to the installation and operation of equipment.