FFFD responding to residential fire. (Derek Sidian, KBRF News)
Fergus Falls, MN – The Fergus Falls Fire and Police Departments blocked off a street in response to a residential fire Thursday afternoon (January 2nd).
According to officials, the Fergus Falls Fire Department responded to the 1200 block of Mitchell Place at around 1:49 p.m. for a reported fire in a basement wall of a residential home. The adult male occupant attempted to put the fire out, but due to the smoke and fire conditions, instead evacuated the home and called 911.
Upon arrival, first responders were able to see light smoke through an open garage door and the basement had moderate smoke. The first arriving police officer entered the basement and used a fire extinguisher to knock back the fire.
The Fire Department arrived and found an active fire along the main structural support beam, directly above the fireplace. Fire crews removed ceiling and wall material to access the fire and, after moderate overhaul of the area, were able to completely extinguish it. Fire crews used fans to rid the home of smoke.
Mitchell Place was blocked during the initial operations, but was reopened within an hour.
Fire Chief Ryan Muchow says the cost of the damage is estimated to be around $10,000. The fire has been deemed unintentional, resulting from heat from the metal fireplace chimney igniting wood framing.
The Fire Department was on scene for just over an hour and responded with three engines, one ladder truck, one rescue truck, and one command staff. The Fire Department was assisted by the Fergus Falls Police Department.
The Fire Department encourages a clear space around heating appliances and to ensure chimney flues are clean and in good condition.
FOLLOW US FOR INSTANT UPDATES!
