By Toni Scott
The Chico Enterprise-Record (California)
THERMALITO, Calif. — A fire sparked from a fireplace destroyed the living room of a Harlan Avenue home early Monday morning, though firefighters were able to keep flames from destroying the entire structure.
At 4:43 a.m., Cal Fire-Butte County firefighters responded to the home at 932 Harlan Ave.
A woman and her two children had been in the home sleeping and had a fire in their fireplace, located in the home's living room. The woman was awakened by the sound of fire crackling, saw the room succumbing to flames and fled out of a bedroom window with her children before calling 9-1-1.
Cal Fire-Butte County public information officer Joshpae White said when firefighters arrived at the home, the living room was "well-involved" with flames, and was so hot that the paint on the walls was bubbling.
Despite the intense nature of the fire, firefighters were able to contain the blaze to the living room and spare the structure.
"Unfortunately, there is a lot of damage from smoke in the house but the structure itself was saved," White said.
White said the fire was a prime example of the need for increased awareness of household fire danger.
"We're in the thick of fire prevention week and the focus is household fire safety," White said. "With that in mind, I would like to encourage everyone to use extreme caution when an open flame is in their home."
White said individuals should ensure that their smoke detectors are functioning and that screens are used over fireplaces.
He also advised residents using wood stoves or fireplaces to take extra care when leaving a fire for the night.
"Before you go to bed, take a minute to make sure everything is secure and that you are leaving the fire in a safe manner," he said. "Close down the flue, the doors and the vent and make sure the space around the fire is free of combustible materials."
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