A gas log fireplace started a fire in the attic of a home during frigid temperatures, according to the Durant Fire Department.
The Durant Fire Department was dispatched at 11:19 a.m. Sunday to 1912 Parkway Circle and while en route, they were advised the occupants had exited the house, according to a DFD report.
When firefighters arrived, smoke was emitting from the eaves and turbines on the roof. Firefighters went into the garage and found the access door to the attic and ladders were used to gain access to the roof. The report stated the fire had burned through the roof where there was an old chimney.
They put out the fire and the investigation determined that a fireplace had been converted from wood burning into a gas log heating system.
Homeowner Joshua Nation told firefighters that because of the cold temperatures, the gas logs had been burning all day, the report stated. Most of the fire damage was directly above the chimney flue and once the fire was extinguished, the homeowner was informed that the electricity had been turned off and an electrician would need to examine the system before turning the power back on. Firefighters left the scene at 1:05 p.m.
The fire department responded to another recent house fire at 1219 Denison St. where a man was injured during the fire. When firefighters arrived, about half of the home was on fire, according to a DFD report. The occupant, identified as David Reddick, had what appeared to be first-degree burns on his upper torso, head and face. He was taken by Bryan County EMS to Texoma Medical Center.
Firefighters brought the fire under control in approximately 30 minutes. The cause of the fire was undetermined after the investigation and the state fire marshal was contacted, according to the report.
Firefighters also responded to the following recent calls: - Electrical lines were arcing near a house at 824 W. Cedar St. and firefighters stayed on scene for about 30 minutes until OG&E arrived.
- Firefighters put out a small trash fire at a homeless camp behind the Goodwill store at 603 W. Main St.
- There was a large rubbish fire at a homeless camp behind Long John Silver’s at 2223 W. Main St. The fire was in the trees and approximately 30 feet in diameter before firefighters put it out. The fire was ruled unintentional.
- A privacy fence caught fire in a backyard in the 1100 block of North Fifth Avenue. Firefighters put out the fire immediately and noticed the odor of an accelerant. The police were notified to investigate the incident.
- Firefighters responded to a call about a downed power line at 616 S. Third Ave. and when they arrived, they saw that the line was rubbing against limbs and causing arcing. Firefighters stood by until OG&E arrived.
- Firefighters responded to a fire in the back yard of 915 W. Live Oak St. and when they arrived, a woman was burning leaves in a burn barrel. She was informed a burn permit was required and leaves cannot be burned in the city. She said she was not aware and put out the fire with a garden hose.