Staff Reports
Columbus firefighters were sent to a residential fire at 1070 Countryside Lane at 3:56 p.m. Sunday, believed to have been caused by fire pit ashes placed in a trash container in a garage.
When firefighters arrived on the scene they found heavy fire located on the exterior wall of an attached garage, said Capt. Mike Wilson, Columbus Fire Department spokesman.
Learning that all occupants were out of the home, firefighters deployed a hose line to the exterior of the garage and quickly knocked down the flames. As additional firefighters arrived on the scene, the additional fire crews worked on the interior of the home and searched for hidden fire in the attic space. Firefighters also inspected the interior of the home looking for fire extension into the living space. Firefighters reported smoke in the interior of the home but no fire was located, Wilson said.
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Firefighters began to remove siding, insulation and drywall to confirm all fire had been fully extinguished. During this process, firefighter found and extinguished small pockets of fire smoldering within the walls of the garage.
The cause of the fire will be listed as accidental, Wilson said. Investigators interviewed the homeowners and learned that the property owner had discarded what was believed to be cold ashes from a fire pit into a plastic trash toter. Investigators believe the ashes ignited materials in the trash toter and the fire then spread to the homes wooden siding.
The fire caused smoke damage to the interior of the home. Fire damages were isolated to the garage area. Two vehicles also sustained minor damage. Damages from the fire are estimated at $10,000. No injuries were reported.
The Columbus Fire Department recommends discarding ashes or coals into a noncombustible container and store the container any from any combustible items. It may take as long as 12 to 24 hours for hot coals to completely cool. It is also a good practice to apply water to any ashes or coals before discarding. Only discard when the ash and coals are completely cold and the fire risk has been eliminated.
