Clayton House Fire Appears Accidental, Possibly Related to Chimney

File photo via Morguefile.

--

Firefighters extinguished a one-alarm blaze at a home in Clayton Friday evening, a fire official said. Fire crews responded to a report of a fire around 9:15 p.m. in a single-story home at 11 Newman Court, Contra Costa County Fire Protection District Capt. George Laing said.

Laing said the fire started on the roof where some of the home’s wooden shingles caught on fire. Although the cause of the fire is under investigation, Laing said it appears accidental and may be related to use of the fireplace.

Two adults and three children were home at the time and all of them made it out of the home without injury, Laing said.

Fire crews were able to bring the blaze under control within 20 minutes but Laing said the crews had to stay on scene for several more hours. The flames burned the contents of the residents’ garage and spread into the attic but left the main house largely untouched, Laing said. He said he did not have an estimate for the damage to the home. Laing said the family was not able to stay at their home Friday night and sought refuge with family or friends.

He said fire officials are encouraging residents to check their smoke alarms regularly and to inspect chimneys annually to ensure there is no creosote buildup.

Creosote is combustible and can ignite, causing a chimney fire, according to the Chimney Safety Institute of America.

• Other fires in the region this week:
• Arson Suspected In Fire At Vacant House Where 300 Teens Partied
• PHOTOS, YIKES! Walnut Creek Home ‘Totally Destroyed’ After Teen Party, Fire
• Firefighters Battle Apartment Fire in Martinez
• Firefighters Battle House Fire in Walnut Creek

--Bay City News

Also on Patch:

• Google Exec, Adventurer Tragically Killed In Mt. Everest Avalanche
• Contra Costa and Tri-Valley Small-Business Owners to be Honored at East Bay Leadership Council’s 15th Annual Awards Luncheon
• Diablo Women’s Chorale presents “Get Happy” May 15th & 16th!
• Contra Costa Public Law Library Can Help If You’re Headed To Small Claims Court
• Your Divorce Is Not Part Of Your Teen’s Graduation