Albemarle County Fire Rescue crews were called out to Gellety Road south of Shadwell on Saturday afternoon to reports of a chimney fire in the 2700 block.
“First arriving fire department units arrived 10 minutes after dispatch with smoke coming visible from the eaves of the single-story residential structure,” reads an information release sent out on February 8. “It was discovered that the fire was not contained to the chimney and had communicated to the attic space.”
Firefighters put the fire out but there was too much damage to the house for the four adults and three children who live there. They’re being assisted by the American Red Cross as well as family and friends.
The Albemarle County Fire Marshal’s Office heads up investigations and the preliminary belief is that “combustible material” built up in the single-walled chimney, caught fire, and then spread to the attic.
“Albemarle County Fire Rescue would like to remind everyone to make sure your chimney is cleaned and kept in operational order,” the release continues.
Damage is estimated at $50,000. Above photo provided by Albemarle County Fire Rescue.
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