Pebble Drive Fire Started in Chimney

A chimney fire damaged the roof of a home in the 3400 block of Pebble Drive Tuesday evening as the homeowner was burning debris in the fireplace insert of his wood-burning stove.

There were no injuries.

The Abingdon Volunteer Fire Department responded to the initial 6:19 p.m. call and found flames shooting through the roof, according to Abingdon Assistant Fire Chief Glen Hall.

“We had fire on both sides of the chimney,” Hall said. “We had to cut the roof on both sides.”

Hall said the blaze was brought under control within three to four minutes after the Abingdon Volunteer Fire Company arrived. Other companies responded but were released, with the exception of the Level Volunteer Fire Department. It kept one engine on the scene for additional support.

“We contained it with the initial attack engine,” Hall said.

Bill Roberts, who owns the home, said he attempted to battle the blaze as his wife Pat called 9-1-1.

“I figured if I could knock it down, when the fire company came all they would have to do is find the hot spots,” said Roberts. “It must have been burning while I was watching TV.”

Pat Roberts said her husband had been burning the wood from an excess wood from an old camper in their yard because that was the only way they could dispose of it.

“You can’t do it outside because there’s no open burning,” Pat Roberts said.

Friends and neighbors who gathered as fire trucks converged on the quiet neighborhood with green lawns and mature trees said they were relieved that the damage wasn’t greater.

“I’m certainly glad that they are alright,” said Wanda Brewer. “We look out for each other.”