By Don Urquhart, Times Chronicle
Osoyoos Fire Rescue (OFR) responded to a reported structure fire on Tamarack Drive last night (Dec. 18) at 10:22 p.m. in what appears to be a possible chimney fire.
The department responded with four trucks, and 18 personnel to the emergency call. Upon the arrival of the first engine, crews came up to smoke showing from a single story residential structure, the OFR said.
Jesse Zerr photo
“We arrived and found heavy smoke coming out of the eaves and gable vents,” Rob Huttema, Deputy Fire Chief of Prevention told the Times Chronicle.
“Crews went interior, finding light smoke inside of the living roof and pulling the ceiling area around the chimney they found some heavy fire, extinguished the fire and the hot spots,” he said.
The firefighters then cooled what was described as “extension damage” to the house.
Crews were cleared from scene and returned around 2:15 a.m.
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With the cold weather now upon us, Huttema added that anyone using a wood burning appliance should have their chimneys inspected and cleaned on a regular basis. As to what that looks like he said “It depends on use, but at least get it cleaned at the end of the year and inspected before seasonal use.”
He added that mortar does break down over time and that is dangerous both from a fire perspective as well as the potential to allow carbon monoxide to enter the home.
Jesse Zerr photo
