Chimney Fire Displaces 2 Petaluma Residents

PETALUMA, CA — A fire broke out behind the gas insert fireplace of an Eastside Petaluma home Sunday night, displacing two adult residents. The fire, which spread throughout the home's chimney, was reported at 8:58 p.m. in the 1800 block of Adobe Creek Drive, near Ely Boulevard South and Frates Road, according to Petaluma Fire Department Battalion Chief Chad Costa.

The home's chimney chase was well-involved in flames when the first Petaluma Fire Department engine crew arrived on scene, Costa said.

"Further investigation determined there was light smoke inside the residence, but the fire had not spread to the inside of the residence or the attic," Costa said. "A quick-fire attack knocked down the fire and stopped the spread."

As more firefighters arrived, crews opened the exterior wall in order to completely extinguish the chimney fire.

Additional firefighters used a ladder truck to attack the fire from the roof, stopping the flames that were spreading toward the top of the chimney chase, Costa said.

Firefighters used salvage covers to limit any water damage inside the residence, Costa said.

The structure fire was under control within 15 minutes.

PG&E crews shut off gas and electric to the home, and city officials red-tagged the residence.

Fire investigators confirmed the blaze broke out behind the gas fireplace insert but were not immediately able to determine why, Costa said.

No injuries were reported.

Costa said the residents self-evacuated prior to firefighters' arrival.

The residents' quick reporting of the fire coupled with a quick response by firefighters limited the fire damage to $50,000, Costa said.

"With the assistance of firefighters, the two adult occupants secured a room at a local hotel and planned to stay there until the house was deemed habitable," Costa said.

Petaluma Fire Department received assistance from Rancho Adobe Fire, Cal Fire and North Bay Fire during the incident.