EGLON – A couple was sickened and a home was scorched in an attic fire here late Dec. 1.
The slow blaze, most likely sparked when heat from an adjacent chimney pipe ignited nearby structural components, had probably been smoldering and emitting fumes for more than a day before one of the occupants called 911, North Kitsap Fire & Rescue spokeswoman Michele Laboda reported. “Crews were able to stop the fire, limiting damage to the attic and a small section of the roof,” Laboda reported. “Though both reported symptoms consistent with carbon monoxide poisoning, both declined medical treatment or transport.
North Kitsap Fire & Rescue crews were called just after 5:30 p.m. on Dec. 1 to a possible chimney fire in a small split-level home off the north end of Little Boston Road. As the first unit arrived on the scene, the crew saw no flames or smoke showing. However, the homeowner met them to report that he’d opened the attic scuttle near the chimney and found embers in that hidden space. The first-in engine officer upgraded the incident to get additional resources from NKF&R, Poulsbo Fire Department and Bainbridge Island Fire Department in case the fire started spreading. Quickly getting the fire under control, firefighters were able to cancel crews from other areas but the complete extinguishment proved more complex because of the tight, insulation-filled spaces around the chimney.
The couple told crews that they’d noticed light smoke inside the residence when using the woodstove over the past several days, but felt it was a normal side effect of the appliance’s operation. “The next morning, both awoke with headaches and nausea – which are among the early symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning,” Laboda reported. “Carbon monoxide is one of the main byproducts of fire.”
Late Dec. 1, with symptoms and light smoke continuing, one of the occupants called for firefighters. “Crews encouraged the couple to seek medical treatment but the pair refused,” Laboda reported. “They were also advised to install carbon monoxide detection and to upgrade the home’s smoke alarms, which never activated despite persistent fumes.”
Officials encourage homeowners to have chimneys professionally cleaned and inspected annually. Additionally, carbon monoxide detectors are now required in single-family residences with fuel-burning appliances or an attached garage. Smoke alarms should be tested monthly. If outfitted with traditional 9Vs, smoke alarm batteries should be changed annually when clocks turn back in the fall. When outfitted with long-life batteries, the entire smoke alarm should be replaced when it emits a low-battery chirp or when the device no longer passes its monthly test. All smoke alarms should be replaced after 10 years.
The couple, who was not displaced by the incident, is insured. There were no other injuries to firefighters or civilians.
