PORT ANGELES — A fire damaged a wood-framed home on Hazel Street early Thursday morning, but no one was hurt, according to the Port Angeles Fire Department.
Firefighters were alerted to the fire at 1127 W. Hazel St. at 4.30 a.m. Thursday through multiple reports, according to a press release.
Initial reports were that the structure was occupied, but Port Angeles police confirmed upon their arrival that no one was inside, according to the release.
Arriving firefighters found the approximately 800-square-foot, single-story residential structure with flames visible on the roof around the chimney flue, and with fire spreading through the living area.
Firefighters were told the fire started in the stove and that flames “came down the chimney.”
Firefighters extinguished the fire within 10 minutes of arrival, completely snuffing it within 20 minutes, according to the release.
The home did not have working smoke detectors in place, firefighters said.
No one was hurt, firefighters said.
The American Red Cross was contacted to provide assistance to the homeowners.
The cause is under investigation by the fire marshal’s office.
The Port Angeles Fire Department said it responded with a chief officer and five firefighters on a fire engine and a BLS Medic unit while Clallam 2 Fire Rescue assisted with two firefighters on one engine.
Olympic Ambulance provided medical support with one BLS ambulance and the Port Angeles Police Department provided traffic control on Fairmount Avenue.
A Port Angeles City Lights crew mitigated electrical hazards.
“Two simple safety lessons can be learned from this unfortunate event to help keep our Port Angeles community and residents safe,” said Capt. Andrew Cooper in a press release.
“Firstly, the National Fire Protection Association recommends that chimneys, fireplaces and vents be inspected for the build-up of flammable creosote at least once per year and cleaned as needed.
“Secondly, the presence of working smoke detectors and the early warning that they provide has been proven to save lives on countless occasions, allowing residents to make their escape. Detectors should be located in each bedroom, outside each sleeping area and on every level of the home, including the basement.”
