Hidden Fire Damages Greeley Home
At 10:00 this morning firefighters from the Greeley Fire Department were called to 1841 7th Avenue in Greeley on a possible structure fire. Upon arrival, fire crews found light smoke coming from the attic space of a single story house. Fire crews quickly established that all occupants had safety evacuated the home and began to search for the source of the smoke. Fire crews utilized thermal imaging equipment and located a fire burning within a wall. It was quickly determined that the hidden fire had traveled up the interior of the wall and had begun spreading to the attic space. Fire crews quickly began opening up the wall and extinguishing fire as it was exposed. Simultaneously, crews began cutting a hole in the roof to access the attic space and extinguish the quickly spreading fire. The Red Cross was called to assist the 4 residents of the home who were displaced because of the fire. The fire was extinguished and stopped from spreading throughout the attic. Fire crews remain on scene removing smoldering insulation and debris as the investigation is initiated. Investigators are working to determine the cause and determine the amount of damage. No injuries were reported.
Aging Electrical System Caused This Morning’s Fire
At 10:00 this morning firefighters from the Greeley Fire Department were called to 1841 7th Av in Greeley on a possible structure fire. Upon arrival, fire crews found light smoke coming from the attic space of a single story house. Fire crews quickly established that all occupants had safety evacuated the home and began to search for the source of the smoke. Fire crews utilized thermal imaging equipment and located a fire burning within a wall. It was quickly determined that the hidden fire had traveled up the interior of the wall and had begun spreading to the attic space. Fire crews quickly began opening up the wall and extinguishing fire as it was exposed. Simultaneously, crews began cutting a hole in the roof to access the attic space and extinguish the quickly spreading fire. The Red Cross was called to assist the 4 residents of the home who were displaced because of the fire. The fire was extinguished and stopped from spreading throughout the attic. Investigators have determined the cause to be the homes aging electrical wiring. Damage is estimated @ $20,000.
Many houses constructed pre 1950’s have what is called knob and tube wiring, including the home involved in this morning’s fire. Knob and tube is a type of open wiring system that is susceptible to dampness and abrasion which can lead to leakage of currents and arcing fires. If homeowners experience any of the following symptoms, they should have their home wiring checked by a licensed electrician:
· Frequent or re-occurring issues with blowing fuses or tripping circuit breakers
· A tingling sensation when you touch an electrical appliance or other metal objects
· Discolored or warm wall outlets, or sparks from an outlet
· A persistent burning smell coming from an appliance, room, or area
· Flickering or dimming lights
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