Fireplace Ember Causes Fire

A small fire caused by a fireplace ember is being used as a reminder that residents should have their chimneys, fireplaces and wood-burning stoves inspected annually.

It was 9:27 p.m. Sunday when Greenwich Fire dispatch was called with a report of a fire at a Strawbridge Lane home in the Glenville section of town.

Crews from Glenville were on the scene within five minutes and made quick business of extinguishing the smoldering fire that started when an ember from the home’s fireplace apparently popped and fell into an opening in the slate apron in front of the fireplace, according to Assistant Fire Chief Robert Kick.

“There was a small section of grout missing on the slate apron. The ember fell into the opening and started to burn the sub flooring,” Kick said. Firefighters pulled up the slate and were able to douse the smoldering wood, Kick said.

The cause of the fire that caused minimal damage was ruled accidental by the Fire Marshal’s office, Kick said. No injuries were reported.

Kick said the accidental nature of the fire is “an important reminder to have your chimney, fireplace and wood burning stove inspected on an annual basis to prevent accidents like this from happening.”

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