Fairfield FD Extinguishes Stratfield Rd Chimney Fire

At 7:07pm Sunday night, the Fairfield Emergency Communications Center received a call reporting a chimney fire at 779 Stratfield Road. Fire Department Engines 1, 2, 3 and 5; Ladders 1 and 2; and Car 3 were dispatched to the fire. Engine 3 was first on the scene reporting sparks and embers shooting from the chimney of a home.

Engine 3 set up interior operations for extinguishment of the fire. Ladder 2 was sent to the roof, Engine 2 staged for water supply, and Car 3 with Assistant Chief Scott Bisson arrived onscene and assumed command. Upon Engine 1’s arrival their personnel assisted Ladder 2 set up truck company operations, while Ladder 1 assessed interior wall conditions and monitored for fire spread.

It was determined that standard operations utilizing pressurized water cans and a dry chemical extinguisher were ineffective at controlling the fire, requiring Ladder 2 to utilize chains and a booster line to cool the interior of the chimney with water. Smoke and steam were visible inside of the house and were monitored during extinguishment.

As Fairfield Police assisted with traffic on the main thoroughfare, Fairfield Fire Department personnel performed salvage operations to minimize damage to the house and assisted the homeowner with water control and removal. The home and chimney was determined to have been originally built in 1909, and the occupant had been using the fireplace in the normal manner when he “heard a loud noise followed by a roar similar to a jet engine” coming from his chimney. The home had not been affected by power outages or storm-related issues.

The occupant was advised not to use fireplace pending inspection and repairs by licensed mason, and to contact his insurance company for assistance with cleanup efforts. Four fire apparatus remained on scene for an extended period of time to extinguish the chimney fire completely, reduce the temperature of bricks and building materials in contact with the chimney, and assist the homeowner with cleanup.

The chimney was an unlined chimney of older construction which was damaged by the fire and extinguishing efforts and not usable pending repairs and inspection. The house remained habitable and the family was not displaced; Car 3 was the last unit to clear at 10:06pm.

"This fire reinforces the need for homeowners to have qualified people perform inspections and services on fireplaces and chimneys," Bisson said. "It is a good practice for homeowners to check with the department of consumer protection or the better business bureau when making a decision to select a contractor to perform work on their home.”