Staff Reports
A fire caused about $55,000 damage to a home in the 2600 Wedgewood Drive at 11:48 a.m. Sunday.
Columbus firefighters were sent to the home after the homeowner called 911 about flames coming from the home’s attic, said Capt. Mike Wilson, Columbus Fire Department spokesman.
Engine Company 4, stationed less than a half mile away, arrived quickly and reported smoke showing from the roof and eaves, Wilson said.
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As additional engine companies were making their way to the scene, Engine 4 firefighters began a survey of the single story brick home. As crews reached the rear lawn, they discovered heavy fire on the home’s exterior, Wilson said.
Flames were consuming a large stack of firewood which was located next to the home, Wilson said. The fire had also extended up the exterior causing fire to reach the attic space. Also located in this area of the home was a sunroom addition with vinyl siding. The vinyl siding had burned away by the time firefighters arrived on the scene, Wilson said.
Firefighters re-positioned the hose line to the rear of the home and quickly knocked down the flames on the exterior of the home, Wilson said. Smoke continued to push from the roof and eaves. Believing that the fire was free burning in the attic space, firefighters set up a ground ladder and began removing siding to gain access into the attic. Finding fire in the attic, crews showered the interior void space until the fire was fully extinguished.
The interior of the home sustained some smoke and water damage. Firefighters removed a portion of an interior ceiling to search for hidden fire. The sunroom addition sustained heavy fire to an exterior wall with smoke and water damage on the interior. Roof trusses were visibly charred within the attic. Damages are estimated at $55,000, Wilson said.
Columbus Fire Department investigators are looking at the exterior rear wall area as a possible point of fire origin. According to investigators, this area was a storage location for the family’s trash toter as well as a firewood storage location. The cause of the fire is under investigation, Wilson said.
Agencies that assisted at the scene include the Columbus Police Department, Columbus Regional Health EMS, Vectren Energy and Duke Energy. No injuries were reported. The family has arranged temporary lodging.
