|
|
Following an investigation into an overnight blaze of a house fire at 4000 Sweeten Creek Road, fire investigators from the Chapel Hill Fire Department have determined that the fire was result of a lightning strike. The fire occurred during the height of the thunderstorms that crossed over Chapel Hill last night at approximately 8:30 p.m. Investigators were able to pinpoint the location of the strike to a pine tree adjacent to the house. In addition to causing the fire, damage was discovered to a portion of the electrical system of an adjacent home.
In this case, the residents of the home were not home during the incident. The Chapel Hill Fire Department would like to remind citizens to seek shelter from storms which produce hazardous lightning. Likewise, if you suspect a local strike, or have any odors or electrical problems in your home following similar storms, contact 911.
At approximately 8:32 pm on Sunday, June 29th, the Chapel Hill Fire Department was dispatched to 4000 Sweeten Creek Road for a reported structure fire. Calls from several neighbors of this residence confirmed the fire with Orange County Communications, and first arriving fire crews found the second story and attic of the residence heavily involved in fire.
Fire crews from Chapel Hill and New Hope Fire Departments were on-scene to control the fire. South Orange Rescue Squad and Orange County EMS responded also as support. The fire was brought under control in about an hour, but fire crews remained on-scene well into the night to extinguish hot spots and protect the remaining property.
No one was at home when the fire started, and no injuries occurred to any emergency responders during this incident.
This fire was reported during at the height of the thunderstorm activity that crossed Chapel Hill and surrounding areas Sunday night. Fire Investigators from Chapel Hill Fire Department were on-scene to begin investigating the cause. This investigation will continue into Monday.
Damage to the structure and contents is estimated at $400,000.
The Chapel Hill Fire Department was dispatched to a structure fire at 1521 US 15-501 South on June 28, 2008. Initial response consisted of 6 CHFD units with a total of 18 personnel.
The residents informed dispatch that they had used an extinguisher on a fire in a second floor bedroom, but they were not sure if the fire was totally extinguished. CHFD Engine 38 was the first unit to arrive. Nothing was visible from the exterior upon their arrival. The crews from Engines 38 and 31 discovered a smoldering fire in the void space between the floors and quickly extinguished the remaining fire.
Damage to the structure and contents is estimated at $3,000. The bedroom sustained minor heat and smoke damage. No injuries occurred during the fire.
Captain Doug Kelly from the Life Safety Division responded to investigate, but an exact cause has not been determined.
Although the fire was initially knocked down by the occupants, the fire department encourages anyone who finds a fire to call 911 before they attempt extinguishment. Also, ensure that there are adequate and operational smoke detectors in your residence or place of business.
As Americans prepare for another celebration of our Country’s Independence, the Chapel Hill Fire Department wants to remind citizens of the hazards of this holiday season. Other than the ordinary summer holiday hazards of travel, heat and outdoor sports injuries, the July 4th holiday brings added risk for those who decide to celebrate with fireworks.
According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) in 2006, U.S. hospital emergency rooms treated an estimated 9,200 people for fireworks related injures. One-third of those injuries were to children under the age of 15, and 28 percent of the injuries were a result of the use of novelty type fireworks like sparklers and fountains, which are the only legal fireworks allowed in North Carolina. “Even the most legal and innocent-seeming fireworks pose a huge risk for injury and fire” says Chapel Hill’s Fire Marshal Matt Lawrence. “NC Legal fireworks are often commonly called ‘Safe and Sane’, but even those emit showers and sparks with temperatures that may exceed 1200 degrees. Contact with skin, clothing, or combustibles could cause tragedy in seconds”.
With regard to the associated fire hazards of fireworks, the NFPA reports that Independence Day accounts for more reported U.S. fires than any other day of the year. Fireworks account for half of those fires, which is more than any other causes combined. In one year alone, fireworks caused an estimated 1,800 structure fires and 700 vehicle fires, causing more than $39 million in property damage.
Rather than risking the safety of your family and property this July 4th, the Chapel Hill Fire Department and life safety advocates across the country encourage families to avoid the use of consumer fireworks, and instead enjoy professional fireworks displays, which are regulated to provide for exceptional quality and safety. The Towns of Chapel Hill and Carrboro will provide fireworks at their July 4th Celebration at Kenan Memorial Stadium on the campus of UNC-Chapel Hill. Gates at this event open at 7:00pm with live music and entertainment and a fireworks finale at 9:30pm.
At approximately 7:16 am on Friday, June 20th , the Chapel Fire Department responded to a reported structure fire at 135 Brookberry Cr. The initial response consisted of six fire apparatus, three command vehicles, including one unit from the Durham Fire Department. Orange County Emergency Medical Services and Chapel Hill Police Units also responded to assist.
A neighbor walking her dog noticed smoke issuing from an upstairs unit of a neighbor’s condominium and called Orange Communications. The first arriving unit discovered a fire on the upstairs balcony and in the attic space of the condominium. An interior and exterior attack was made and the fire quickly brought under control.
The cause of the fire is determined to be accidental.
No injuries were reported to civilians or fire service personnel.
The Council has established a ban on the use of pine straw as a landscaping media within 10 feet of commercial and multi-family buildings, including apartments and town houses. The ordinance applies only to those buildings with combustible construction (i.e buildings with wood or vinyl exterior walls). Buildings of masonry, concrete or other non-combustible products are exempt from this rule. The Chapel Hill Fire Department has responded to several fires this year that originated in pine straw and then quickly spread to the structure itself. The common ignition factor for each fire was determined to be carelessly discarded smoking material. Drought conditions are exacerbating the problem. Information: (919) 968-2782
The Town of Chapel Hill will present “Personal Safety: Don’t Be an Easy Target for Crime,” a workshop to teach general safety awareness and crime prevention tips. Led by Chapel Hill Police Officer Charles Pardo, the class will meet at 6:30 p.m. Monday, Aug. 4, at Chapel Hill Community Center, 120 S. Estes Drive. The event is free, but pre-registration is required. Reserve your space online at https://webtrac.townofchapelhill.org/ by Wednesday, July 30. For more information, call (919) 968-2784.
The Independence Day Celebration -- complete with fireworks -- took place as planned on July 4th in Chapel Hill. No events are planned for Saturday night. Have a wonderful weekend!
|
|
