By Becky Reeves
Coffey County Republican – December 6, 2013
Submitted by Newz Group Clipping Service – December 12, 2013
New Strawn and Burlington firefighters were called to the scene of a house fire at 12:16 yesterday morning at 364 N. Fourth Street in New Strawn. Fire Chief Randall Brown said the fireplace on the main floor of the home probably had a crack in the floor, which allowed heat and flames to ignite the floor joists under the fireplace.
Charles Schuster, who lives at the residence with his wife and three children, were home at the time of the fire. Charles was awake and saw smoke coming from the bottom area of the fireplace. He called 911 and reported boards on fire underneath his fireplace.
New Strawn firefighters were the first on the scene and found smoke coming from beneath the fireplace, but no visible flames. “We had to find out exactly where the smoke was coming from,” said Chief Brown. “This required us to tear out dry wall and duct work to get to the area. We extinguished the smoldering boards with water and stayed until nearly 2 a.m. to make sure it didn’t rekindle.”
Fourteen firefighters responded to the call with a pumper; two tankers and the aerial truck. Also on the scene were emergency medical service personnel and law enforcement.
Chief Brown estimates the damage at $5,000. Flooring, woodwork, dry wall, duct work and the fireplace will need repaired. The family has insurance.
“This is a reminder to those who have fireplaces and wood stoves to have them professionally inspected at the start of the wood burning season,” Chief Brown said.
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