ASHTABULA —
A chimney fire damaged a Norman Avenue home Saturday morning after firefighters had to remove a portion of the first floor wall and ceiling, said Lt. Stephen Chase of the Ashtabula Fire Department.
“The first responding units observed light smoke conditions inside the structure and a hot area on the floor adjacent to the fire place,” Chase said of the fire at 524 Norman Ave. He said the owner had used the fire place the previous evening.
“Fire department personnel used a chainsaw to remove the flooring on the second floor in front of the chimney. Upon opening this section of flooring, personnel located a smoldering fire in the area,” Chase said. He said a foam extinguisher was used to extinguish the bulk of the fire.
Firefighters then removed a portion of the wall and flooring and found a section of rim joist and floor joists the width of the fire place completely consumed by fire.
“This indicates the fire smoldered in the floor space for a number of hours before being discovered,” Chase said. He said firefighters spent more than an hour on the scene ensuring the fire was completely extinguished.
Chase said Ashtabula Township Fire Department supplied mutual aid in fighting the fire He said an estimated $5,000 to $10,000 in damages were incurred during the fire.
He said area residents should review safe procedures for a fire place or a wood burning stove as the winter months arrive.
The U.S. Fire Administration urges people using alternative heating to follow a variety of safety procedures including an annual professional chimney inspection. The proper installation of wood stoves, the use of a screen in front of fireplaces and the installation of carbon monoxide detectors are critical steps to safety, according to information released by the administration.
Local News
Firefighters fight stubborn chimney fire
- Local News
-
-
Six ready to interview for Buckeye’s super job
The Buckeye Local Board of Education will conduct interviews with six superintendent hopefuls next week, said Board President Jacqueline Hillyer.
-
Shooting suspect to be tried as adult
A 17-year-old will be tried as an adult in the school shooting deaths of three students, a juvenile court judge ruled Thursday after hearing a sheriff’s deputy describe how the teen wore a T-shirt with the word “Killer” and admitted shooting people.
-
Ohio EPA takes AIM at site of hazardous wastes
Ohio Environmental Protection Agency staff members returned this week to the site of the now-bankrupt Ashtabula Iron and Metal on West 30th Street to take samples of the unknown liquids and analyze hazardous wastes, asbestos and other potential health and environmental concerns.
-
Commissioners look at selling nursing beds
Commissioners have retained the services of a law firm that specializes in the sale of excess nursing home beds as the board looks at ways to raise additional revenues.
-
Conneaut looks at demolition funds
The city is making preparations to secure its share of nearly $692,000 in demolition funds expected to be Ashtabula County’s portion of a multi-billion dollar settlement with national mortgage lenders.
-
Volunteers get more help than needed at rescue spot
Despite their good intentions, Edward and Mary proved more hindrance than help to the Conneaut KeyBank employees lending a helping hand Thursday to a farm animal rescue operation in Kingsville Township.
-
220 graduate at Lakeside
Thursday night was a time of pomp, circumstance and smiles as 220 seniors graduated from Lakeside High School.
-
Lost money?
There is no map, and “X” may not mark the spot, but hundreds of Ashtabula County residents may have unclaimed cash ready and waiting for them through the Ohio Department of Commerce.
-
Lane to be tried as adult in Chardon High shooting
A 17-year-old boy will be tried as an adult in the school shooting deaths of three students, a juvenile court judge ruled Thursday.
-
Happy Hearts School holds commencement for its Class of 2012
As commencement exercises go in Ashtabula County, the one at Happy Hearts School was small, with just five students.
- More Local News Headlines
-
Six ready to interview for Buckeye’s super job
