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Two Alarm Fire
Damages Home On Northrop
Date/Time of Occurrence: November 25, 2002 , 2:23 P.M.
Nature of Occurrence: Structure Fire
Location: 3220 Northrop Ave
Contact: Firefighter Tim Maybee 916-616-2432 on scene PIO, Phone:
916-616-2432
Email:
ellis.pat@smfd.ca.gov
At 2:23 P.M. today Metro firefighters responded to 3220 Northrop Ave for a
report of a roof fire. Metro Engine 105 arrived and reported a working roof
fire. A second alarm was sounded bringing additional assistance to fight the
fire.
Neighbors of the fire notified the occupants. The occupants were using the
fireplace. Fire investigators suspect that the mortar in the fireplace was
cracked allowing the fire to work itself into the attic of the home. The
fire was controlled with some damage to the front room and two bedrooms.
Firefighters were on scene for three hours assisting in salvaging the
family's contents and removing insulation from the attic.
The weather is getting cooler and many residents are using the fireplace.
Below are some suggestions to prevent problems while using a fireplace
· Have a chimney sweep service clean and inspect the fireplace every year
prior to use.
· If cracks are found in the mortar, have it repaired immediately.
· Make sure that a screen is placed at the top of the chimney to prevent
embers from landing on wood shake roofs.
· When cleaning out the fireplace, do not place the ashes inside the garbage
can, even if they feel cool to the touch. The ashes can smolder for several
days.
· Place the ashes in a bucket of water for several days prior to deposal.
Alarm Assignment
3 Chief Officers
6 Engines
2 Ladder Trucks
1 Paramedic Unit
1 Arson Investigator
1 Public Information Officer
30 Firefighters
Incident Commander: Battalion Chief Dale Turner BC7
First-In Company: E105
Cause: Fireplace with cracked mortar on fire place
Public Information Officer: Captain Patrick J Ellis
Dollar Loss: $100.00
Time To Control: 25 min
Incident Duration: 3 Hours
Total No. of Engine Companies: 6
Total No. of Truck Companies: 2
Total No. of Command and Support Staff: 4
Total No. of Fire Companies: 13
Total No. of Medic Units: 1
Total No. of Firefighters: 30
Smoke Detectors: Yes - Functioned Properly
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