Monday, December 26, 2011 – 00:17 hours:

The Armonk Fire Department was dispatched to a reported fire in the walls of a private dwelling in Armonk.  Upon arrival, we found smoke coming from the floor and wall near a first floor fireplace. We proceeded to investigate, using the thermal imaging camera to look for heat signatures created by the fire.  The engine crew quickly stretched a hose line to be used when the source of the fire was located.  A wall was opened up to gain better access to the back of the fireplace, and the fire was located.  After the wall and ceiling were partially removed, the fire had additional oxygen and started to grow.  It was quickly extinguished and we continued to check the area for extension.  We also removed hot embers, which were still smoldering, from the fireplace and its clean-out.

An investigation as to the cause of the fire was performed, with assistance provided to the Chief by the Westchester County Cause & Origin Team.  They determined that some hot embers had fallen into the fireplace clean-out and subsequently heated up the wall area surrounding the fireplace.  Additionally, it was found that the condition of the fireplace clean-out had apparently deteriorated over several years to the point where it had begun to have some cracks and failure in its structure.  These cracks provided access for the embers and heat to ignite some of the wood structure of the exterior walls.  Thankfully, some occupants of the house were awake and noticed the smoke and called for help before the fire was able to grow significantly. Continue reading →