Boyertown Area Fire & Rescue was dispatched to a chimney fire at 142 West Philadelphia Ave., a single family residence, on Friday Dec. 12, at 1426 hours [2:26 p.m.].
The owner reported the fire and the house was evacuated on arrival of fire company. Investigation found active fire in the chimney between the first and second floor. There was a fireplace insert which still had a burning fire that had to be cleaned out before the fire in the chimney could be extinguished. Firefighters on the roof found that the slate cap over the chimney had collapsed into the chimney which had to be cleared and removed prior to extinguishing the fire.
Firefighters were able to extinguish the fire and the team inside the residence found that temperatures in the attic continued to rise so extensive that a investigation had to take place to insure that there was no extension of the fire beyond the chimney. The residence was ventilated and the temperatures began falling. It was determined that the heat was just residual heat from the chimney fire.
There was a pet bird inside the residence that firefighters determined may be in danger if not removed so a couple firefighters worked with the homeowner to cage the bird and remove it from the residence.
There were no injuries and the structure was saved, and after some clean up the residence was turned over to the homeowner Jeremy Horn.
BAF&R was assisted at the scene by Eastern Berks Fire Co., Gilbertsville Fire Co., New Hanover Fire Co. Earl Fire Co. and Boyertown Ambulance.
Wells and Son Chimney Service also assisted and took over care of the chimney.
