The Danville Fire Department was dispatched to 141 Stratford Place for a possible structure fire at 1:39 pm on Monday, November 20th. Engine 3 arrived four minutes later and saw no smoke or fire from the outside. Once entering the residence smoke was seen throughout the house. The occupants were ushered out of the home. Interior crews found a baseboard heater that was on fire in the middle of the house. The fire was quickly extinguished by DFD personnel. The fire had burned a 10 inch hole in the floor at the heater. Fans were set up to remove smoke.
The damage to the house was minor and the occupants were allowed to return to the house after the incident. The Fire Marshal's Office investigated and found that combustibles were too close to the heating unit. The DFD responded with three engines, one ladder, and several support vehicles. A total of 19 personnel were on scene for a little over an hour.
The DFD reminds everyone to keep a 3 foot clearance around all heaters, regardless of the type. This includes portable and stationary heating units. With the increased need for heat this time of year, the potential for a damaging fire is increased. Please be diligent with heating safety and do not hesitate to call the department at 434-799-5226 with any questions you may have about safety in the home.
Brian K. Alderson
Battalion Chief