Firefighters quickly extinguished a fire that damaged a home in Murrieta just before 3 p.m.in the 25000 block of Birchtree Drive, it has been reported.
(Joe Fanaselle/SWRNN)
According to Battalion Chief Mario Monroy with the Murrieta Fire Department, a total of five fire engines and 15 firefighters responded to the blaze.
The first engine on scene noticed heavy smoke coming from the attic of the two-story single family home.
Firefighters knocked the fire down within 15 minutes, containing it to the attic area of the home.
Monroy said the residents of the home were using their fireplace at the time.
He added the fire was being investigated, but it appears to have started in the chimney area as a result of the fireplace use.
Read, Don’t forget to sweep the chimney! Fire officials offer fire prevention and safety tips.
No damage estimate was immediately available, but Monroy said there was damage to both the upper and lower levels of the home due to fire overhaul operations.
He explained when firefighters enter a house with a possible attic fire, the standard protocol is to use tools to pull down the ceiling at the closest possible point after entering the home for firefighter safety.
There was also likely structural damage to the attic area of the home, he said.
Two adults and a child were displaced as a result of the fire. The family declined assistance from the American Red Cross.
Joe Fanaselle is a local photojournalist and regular contributor to SWRNN.
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Prayers to this family. I cringe this time of year when I see so many stories about chimney fires.The damage of a chimney fire can cost so much, getting your chimney cleaned is a cheap and easy option when trying to avoid this kind of tragedy.I’m a local chimney sweep, please feel free to email with any questions or if you are in need of any chimney services. Ashton9187@gmail.com