Faribault Fire Department Responds to Residential Blaze

The Faribault Fire Department, along with other agencies, responded to a residential blaze early Friday morning in the northwest part of the of the city.

Just before 5:00 am this morning, the Faribault Fire Department, Faribault Police Department, and North Memorial Ambulance Service responded to a report of smoke alarms sounding and smoke in a home located at 13 22^nd Avenue northwest.

Upon the department's arrival, flames were shooting from the roof of the home. The resident was able to get out of the home safely.

Get our free mobile app

Firefighters initially made entry into the home and found heavy smoke but no flames. Firefighters then went to the roof and removed the chimney and cut holes in the roof to gain access to the fire. The fire was extinguished from the roof access holes.

Fire damage was contained to the furnace and roof but there was smoke and water damage throughout the home. Firefighters cleared the scene at 6:00 am

The Faribault Fire Department conducted an investigation and found that the furnace had failed and heat from the fire in the furnace radiated to combustible surfaces in the attic.

Fire Chief Dustin Dienst says,

Working smoke alarms were key in both life safety and limiting damage to the home. Although I believe this fire was purely accidental, it’s a good reminder for all of us to have working smoke alarms and to check our heating systems as we go into winter.

The U.S. Fire Administration reminds us that the holiday season brings an elevated fire danger to our homes:

Decorating homes and businesses is a long-standing tradition around the holiday season. Unfortunately, these same decorations may increase your community's chances of a fire.

Be Merry, and be safe this holiday season.