Fire Department

Fire investigators have linked to this fire to improperly discarded ashes or embers inside a fire pit. Flames from the fire pit extended toward the exterior siding of the home, causing approximately $60,000 in damage. --PIO Cynthia Schuster

Nobody was injured by a fire that damaged the exterior of a west-side home.

Responding crews report they could see smoke showing from one or two blocks away as they approached the residence on the 2300 block of Mica Road.

Ladder Company 7 circled the home on foot to investigate, finding active fire on the rear of the house extending into the soffit. They forced entry to the home to search for any occupants still inside and confirmed everybody was out. They also confirmed fire did not spread to the interior.

Meanwhile, Engine Company 7 made significant progress on attacking the exterior fire, and Engine Company 12 applied water and foam to cool the roof trusses and decking, preventing any further spread of fire. Initial knockdown was declared at 4:34 p.m.

Fire damage affected the exterior siding of the home, and a small amount of smoke did enter a bedroom. The family chose to find other housing accommodations until some of the damage is repaired. 

Damage totals are not yet available. The cause of the fire is under investigation.