Columbus firefighters say a neighbor reported a fire at 1435 Franklin St. at 3:05 p.m. Friday, and the neighbor also alerted the homeowner who was asleep in the single-story residence.
Columbus police were the first emergency responders to arrive on the scene. They quickly made sure that everyone was out of the home, and after confirming the home was empty, used portable fire extinguishers on flames burning the home’s vinyl siding and wooden deck, said Capt. Mike Wilson, Columbus Fire Department spokesman.
As firefighters continued to make their way to the scene, officers reported to 9-1-1 dispatchers that they believed they had knocked down the flames. When firefighters arrived on the scene, the flames were out. With smoldering material and light smoke present, firefighters used two pressurized water can fire extinguishers to wet down the area involved in fire. To ensure that the fire had not extended into the home, firefighters removed plywood to inspect the interior of the wall. No additional fire was found. A heavily charred portion of the wood deck was removed by firefighters.
Columbus Fire Department fire investigators inspected the area and concluded that the fire originated near the wood deck and then spread to the home’s vinyl siding.
Investigators spoke with the homeowner and learned that one of the home’s occupants is a smoker and uses smoking materials in the area where fire was discovered. The property owner told investigators that that individual was not at home at the time the fire was reported. The cause of the fire is undetermined at this time and remains under investigation. Firefighters used ventilation fans to remove smoke within the interior of the home. The fire was contained to the exterior of the home. Damage to the home is estimated at $2,000. No injuries were reported at the scene.
Agencies that assisted at the scene include the Columbus Police Department, Columbus Township Fire and Rescue, Columbus Regional Health Emergency Medical Services, Bartholomew County Emergency Operations Dispatch Center, Duke Energy, Center Point Energy and Columbus City Utilities.
