Fireworks identified as possible cause in house fire

 

A vacant residential structure caught fire midday Sunday causing an estimated $10,000 in damages.

No one was injured - the structure, which is being remodeled, was empty at the time of the fire.

Fulton Fire Chief Kevin Coffelt said the accidental fire was most likely related to fireworks.

The structure, located at 326 W. Ninth St., did not have working smoke detectors. The department was instead called by a neighbor who saw smoke and took action.

"Luckily, the neighbor was alert, and he was able to put some water on the outside," Coffelt said.

When the fire department crew arrived, the fire had spread inside the attic.

Three Fulton Fire Department engine companies responded and extinguished the fire.

Other parts of the building also received smoke and water damage.

Large amounts of fireworks were discharged in the area over the weekend due to Independence Day celebrations Saturday.

It is only legal to discharge fireworks in Fulton between 1 p.m. and 11 p.m. July 3-5 and Dec. 31-Jan. 1 each year. Setting off fireworks can result in injury or the spread of accidental fires.

Throwing fireworks out, under or at vehicles, at people or at buildings is unlawful.

"We've been pretty fortunate," Coffelt said. "We really haven't had that many structure fires."

The Callaway County Ambulance District, Fulton Police Department and Central Callaway Fire Protection District assisted with the incident Sunday.