PARKERSBURG - Parkersburg firefighters Monday responded to a house fire on 10 1/2 Street caused by a defect in the chimney flue, officials said.
At around 7:30 p.m., firefighters were called out to 519 10 1/2 St. to a report of a structure fire.
The house was occupied by Chris and Candace Weatherall, who were at home when the fire began. Chris Weatherall attempted to put out the fire himself, but quickly called 911 when he realized it was beyond his control, said Capt. Tim Flinn with the Parkersburg Fire Department.
The house is owned by Chris Weatherall's parents, Joseph and Marie Weatherall, who live out of state, said Flinn.
"No one was injured, and the couple got out safely," said Flinn.
Capt. Jon Green, Parkersburg Fire Department, said when he arrived on the scene he saw flames going through the wall on the backside of the house and up to the second story.
''It pretty much followed the flue of the woodburning stove in the back room,'' Green said. ''The guys took the first line through the house and upstairs to check the interior.
''I had a second line also go around to the rear to take care of the fire on the outside.''
Most of the fire was between the flue and the wall, Green said.
It took fire crews a couple of minutes to respond to the scene and they had the fire under control within five minutes, Flinn said.
Investigators determined the fire was caused by a defect in the flue liner of the chimney, said Flinn.
The three-story house sustained about $10,000 damage, but the house was still inhabitable.
"The Red Cross is assisting the family tonight, but the house can be repaired," said Flinn.
The fire department responded with 13 firefighters and a tower truck, four engines, rescue vehicle and other support vehicles. Camden-Clark Life Squad also responded; however, fire officials reported no injuries.
''Everyone was out of the house when we got here,'' Green said. ''All of the lights were on and the man was able to point out exactly where it was. He was real helpful to us.''
