Columbus firefighters quickly put out a smoldering attic fire at the Parkview Rental Townhomes in the 3200 block of Country Brook Street at about 12:18 p.m. Tuesday.
The Parkview maintenance staff found smoke in the attic space of the six-unit building and firefighters found smoldering insulation above a bathroom ceiling, said Capt. Mike Wilson, Columbus Fire Department spokesman.
According to the incident commander, Battalion Chief Dan Cleland, fire damage was limited to a single roof joist located in the attic space.
Firefighters learned that a tenant had contacted Parkview to report a power outage in a second story bathroom, and said an odor of smoke was detected after the power outage.
In the process of removing the smoldering insulation, firefighters discovered melted electrical wiring along a roof joist. The roof joist showed evidence of charring from the electrical short. Columbus Fire Department investigators have determined the cause of the fire was accidental and electrical in nature. Representatives of Parkview Rental Townhomes advised investigators that electrical repairs will be addressed through an electrical contractor. No residents were displaced as a result of the incident. Damages are estimated to be under $500.
No injuries were reported.
