Government

NGFR responds to chimney fire


|New Gloucester Fire Rescu
e|

Prepared by: Captain Hale Fitzgerald
Number of Alarms: Desk Box
Incident Commander: Captain Hale Fitzgerald
Incident Number: 23-NG0131
Incident Date and Time: March 25, 2023 at 1438hrs

Incident Location: 1235 Lewiston Road

Number of NGFR Apparatus in response: 2
Number of NGFR personnel in response: 9
First NGFR unit on scene: Engine 3/Car 4

General Incident Description: New Gloucester Fire Alarm transmitted a Desk Box for a reported chimney fire. New Gloucester Car 7 added Gray Truck 44 in case their aerial ladder was needed. New Gloucester Car 4 arrived on scene assuming command. An active fire in the chimney was observed. Upon deploying a ground ladder, smoke was observed around the chimney in the area of the roof life. The box was upgraded to a full assignment, adding Auburn and Poland to the scene.

A crew comprised of New Gloucester Engine 3 and Gray Truck 44 operated inside the building, cleaning out the woodstove and checking for extension. New Gloucester Engine 2 operated on the roof, extinguishing the fire and dropping chains to knock excess creosote off. After the fire was extinguished and the chimney cleanout was emptied, the crew from Auburn Engine 3 checked for extension. It was determined the fire was contained to the chimney. All units were clear and home was turned back over to the resident. The box was recalled at 1608hrs.

Mutual Aid to the Scene: Gray Truck 44, Auburn Engine 3, Auburn Rescue 3, Poland Tank 6

Mutual Aid to the Station: None

Water Supply: Tank Water on Scene

Smoke Detectors Present? Yes
Smoke Detectors Working?
N/A, did not activate
Sprinkler System Present?
No
Sprinkler System Function?
N/A

Injuries: None

Factors: Creosote build-up near the top of the chimney ignited, causing fire in the chimney.

Cause: Unintentional

PSA: This is our second chimney fire we have responded to in the past 24 hours. NFPA recommends having your chimney inspected and cleaned by a professional at least once a year.