UPDATE: Two Minor Fires Friday Morning

Valley firefighters were busy in the snow Friday morning – responding to two fires in two towns before noon. 

There were no injuries reported at either incident.

First, just before 8:30 a.m., Derby firefighters responded to an attic fire at a two-family home on Derby Avenue. 

Then, at about 11:45, Shelton firefighters were called to a chimney fire on Revere Road. 

Friday morning, the Derby Fire Marshal was still investigating the cause of the Derby Avenue fire, which caused some minor water damage in the upstairs apartment, according to Derby Fire Chief Jim Butler. 

The fire was quickly under control after firefighters climbed onto the roof to vent the attic.

The Shelton fire was caused by debris in the Revere Road home’s chimney catching fire when the wood burning furnace was turned on, said Shelton Assistant Chief Mike Ullrich. 

Shelton firefighters climbed on the roof, and dropped chains down the chimney to break up the debris caught up and burning. 

The home has a dual furnace, Ullrich said, which burns on wood or oil. Although the homeowners said they had it cleaned in July, Ullrich said that frequent use of the wood-burning portion of the furnace can cause excess build-up and potentially fires.

The fire was also quickly under control, remaining contained to the furnace and chimney, while firefighters cleared out the burning debris. 

Photo: Darek GilPhoto: Darek Gil

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