A late night fire in Albemarle County kept first responders busy Thursday. Flames were burning through the roof of a home on Woodhaven Court.
When firefighters arrived, the blaze was entirely in the attic and brought down within a half hour. Crews on the scene say there is some damage to the house, but didn't think it was major.
Everyone is safe. No word yet on the cause as the investigation continues.
Update:
The Albemarle County Fire Department sent the following press release Friday, January 20, at 4:15 p.m.:
At approximately 22:44 pm on January 19, 2012 units from ACFR, East Rivanna Volunteer Fire Department, Seminole Trail Volunteer Fire Department and the City of Charlottesville Fire Department responded to a reported house fire at 406 Woodhaven Court in Albemarle County. Units arrived with fire visible through the roof near the chimney. Fire crews were able to access the fire in the roof line and attic and quickly extinguish it. The fire was mainly contained to the attic space and roof line.
The investigation revealed that the chimney was a metal pre-fabricated chimney for a wood burning fireplace. The fire originated around the chimney at the attic and roof line. The fire spread to the roof materials and the attic space. The cause was due to a problem with the integrity of that chimney. Damage estimate was approximately $30,000 and the occupants were forced to seek alternative housing arrangements.
ACFR and our volunteer fire companies would like to remind folks that with the current cold weather, to use caution when utilizing alternate heat sources such as wood burning appliances and additional space/room heaters. We ask that you prevent a fire by checking your equipment for proper operation and cleanliness, make sure that any chimneys/exhausts are vented outside, clear of combustible materials and that their integrity has not been compromised due to age or physical damage. Ensure that you maintain a minimum of three feet of clearance for any materials that can burn around all alternate heat sources and wood burning appliances.
