Chimney fire damages home

A chimney fire heavily damaged this home on Terrell Drive Thursday morning.

A fire "significantly" damaged a duplex complex on Terrell Drive on the city's north side Thursday morning.

According to initial reports at the scene, the blaze started around the home's chimney with flames and smoke billowing across the roof by the time fire crews were on scene at 983 Terrell Dr.

Three members of family on one side of the duplex, where the fire started, were already safely out of the home when emergency responders arrived.

The other side of the duplex was not damaged but was without electricity following the fire. The person who lived on the other side of the duplex also escaped unharmed.

"The fire had a significant head start on us by time we got there," said Assistant Fire Chief Bud Corbus.Flames were shooting 20 feet into the air through the roof. Firemen had to cut a "trench" in the roof to get the blaze, which was running through the attic area.

Assistant Fire Chief Bud Corbus said firemen worked hard to save as many possessions of the family as possible.

The fire department was paged out at 10:34 a.m.

It took about 30 minutes to knock the fire down and another hour for cleanup.

In addition to the structural damage, there was significant smoke damage throughout the home where the fire started.

The department has made its burnout fund available to the families affected to help them with temporary housing.

Damage was estimated at between $30,000 to $50,000.

Corbus reminded homeowners to clean their chimneys before using their fireplaces or wood stoves, and to check their smoke alarms and the fall "fire season" begins.