A buildup of Creosote, a mixture of chemicals deriving from the distillation of wood or coal, was determined as the likely cause of a fire that affected a home in Clinton Township in Lebanon.
On Monday, Jan. 13, just after 1 a.m., Lebanon Fire Department units were dispatched to 5112 N. County Road 350 E. in Clinton Township for a house fire, and upon arrival, units found a residence with fire showing from the chimney and roof.
First arriving units reportedly ensured all occupants were safely evacuated from the building before firefighters initiated an interior fire attack. The fire was brought under control within minutes, but crews remained on scene until just before 3:30 a.m. to complete origin and cause investigations while also ensuring the fire was fully extinguished, the department reported. No civilians or firefighters were injured during the fire.
The department investigators conducted an examination of the scene and determined that the fire originated in the chimney of the residence despite occupants had reportedly been burning wood in the fireplace throughout the day and were awake at the time of the fire. The department reported that the fire was ruled accidental in nature and was likely caused by Creosote buildup in the chimney flue pipe. The fire reportedly spread from the chimney to combustibles in a second-floor bedroom and the attic. No damage estimate was available at the time of publication.
Assisting agencies for the fire included Zionsville Fire Department, Center Township Fire Department, Sheridan Fire Department, Kirklin Fire Department, Boone County EMS and the Boone County Sheriff’s Office.
