COLUMBUS, Ind. — Columbus firefighters returned to a rekindled house fire at 1916 California St. after smoke was found coming from the attic this morning.
Firefighters were initially called to a fire at the home at 1:53 a.m. Monday after a report of smoke in the home, after a smoke alarm went off.
Firefighters arrived on the scene and reported that light smoke was visible from the exterior gable vents and all occupants accounted for outside the residence.
Firefighters entered the residence and proceeded to the second story bedroom area and locate a large quantity of grey smoke in a bedroom closet that contained an attic access door, said Capt. Mike Wilson, Columbus Fire Department spokesman.
Using a thermal imaging camera to detect heat and fire, firefighters located smoldering hot spots and evidence of heavy charring on the wooden joists. Due to the homes building construction and location of the smoldering debris, firefighters had to access the area of smoldering material through an exterior wall as well as access points in the kitchen ceiling, Wilson said.
Once gaining access firefighters applied water to the area and inspected the level of damages. The inspection of the area revealed electrical wiring with evidence of heavy charring. Firefighters worked at the scene for nearly two hours.
Damages to the home are estimated at approximately $10,000. Due to the damages, the occupants of the residence will be displaced until repairs are made. The property owner advised investigators that shelter arrangements were in place.
No injuries were reported at the incident. The cause of the fire is listed as accidental due to electrical malfunction.
Firefighters returned to the residence at approximately 9:25 a.m. Monday for a report of smoke coming from the attic. Firefighters accessed the attic and found a small area of smoldering debris that required crews to cut an access hole from the exterior of the home. Firefighters reapplied water to the area and returned to service.
Agencies that assisted include the Columbus Police Department, Columbus Regional Health Ambulance Service, Columbus City Utilities, CenterPoint (formerly Vectren Energy) and Duke Energy.
