Station 44 Video

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Fire Behind Brick Fireplace Smokes Up Residence

Springfield Fire Company was dispatched on Monday, January 2nd, at 10:26 hours to the 800 block of Springhaven Road for a Dwelling Fire.  Upon arrival of Engine 44-1 and Chief 44-9A, a light smoke condition was present inside the home, originating from the area around the fireplace in the living room of the home.

Firefighters used thermal imaging cameras to locate the source of the smoke.  With the highest concentration of heat coming from directly behind the brick veneer fireplace, firefighters had to remove the bricks to locate the source of the smoke.  Firefighters from Engine 44-1 and Tower 44 checked the area around the fireplace and attic areas to make sure there was no fire extension.  Firefighters also ventilated the structure and performed salvage operations in the living room area around the fireplace.

The fire appears to have started in some wood structure that was directly behind the brick veneer fireplace and was up against the masonry flue for the fireplace.  The residents had been using the fireplace on a daily basis for more than a week when the smoke condition started inside the home.

Firefighters remained on the scene until 11:56 hours.

Units operating on the scene were:  Engine 44-1, Tower 44, Engine 44-2,. Engine 11-1 (Morton), Engine 13-1 (Rutledge), Engine 13-2, Tower 14 (Swarthmore), Rescue 43 (RIT - Holmes), Ambulance 44-7 and Medic 106.