On December 11, Colorado Springs firefighters were called to a residence on Anvil Dr. to tackle an accidental chimney fire. According to the Colorado Springs Fire Department, crews were dispatched at precisely 9:22 a.m. and arrived within four minutes to find smoke issuing from the attic of a single-family home.
Firefighters had to quickly make their way through the house to the attic, where they were met with flames emanating from the chimney area. The CSFD reported they managed to contain the blaze to the attic, bringing the fire under control by 9:58 a.m. One occupant, who had been utilizing the fireplace since early morning, was inside at the time the fire commenced. Despite not having smoke alarms, a neighbor alerted them to the fire, enabling a safe evacuation. Three people and four animals were subsequently displaced, though thankfully, there were no reported injuries to civilians or firefighters.
The ensuing investigation concluded that the fire's origin was accidental, stemming from the chimney. The homeowner reportedly missed the critical forewarning signs of fire due to the lack of smoke alarms in the home which is a crucial safety feature the CSFD insists on having. In a public reminder outlined by the department on their official website, CSFD stresses the importance of such alarms, advising they be tested regularly, and installed on every level of the home as well as near all sleeping areas.
With the colder months upon us, the CSFD also urges the community to have chimneys professionally inspected and cleaned annually to prevent the estimated 75% of chimney fires caused by creosote accumulation. "Before starting a fire in the fireplace the chimney flue needs to be open to safely remove smoke and gases from the home," according to the Colorado Springs Fire Department, a precautionary step that's too often neglected and can lead to disastrous consequences.
