Press releases

Quick call to 9-1-1 saves burning home

Edina, Minn., March 19, 2010 – A house remodel suddenly became a house fire on Wednesday, March 17, when sparks from construction ignited insulation in the home’s wall.

At 3:30 p.m., the Edina Fire Department responded to a 9-1-1 call placed by a contractor working on a home on the 5300 block of Division Street. A worker on the site had been cutting steel studs in one of the home’s walls when sparks from the electric saw ignited some old insulation. The insulation began to burn, and the fire quickly spread up the wall into the attic.

In less than four minutes from the time of the initial call, crews arrived and found smoke visible from outside of the house. Upon making entry, firefighters were able to quickly extinguish the burning insulation. The ceiling was also opened, and flames that had spread through the wall to the attic were put out. Crews ventilated smoke from the entire house, but damage was contained primarily to the source of the fire on the home’s east side.

“A quick call to 9-1-1 and quick action from the Fire Department kept this fire from spreading,” said Edina Fire Marshal Tom Jenson. “This fire was completely extinguished in a matter of minutes.”

While damage to the home was minimal, Jenson says that a fire like this one is a prime example of the importance of keeping your work area clear of combustibles when dealing with open flames or things that spark.

“Make sure all combustible material is out of the area and always have a fire extinguisher nearby,” said Jenson. “A small spark can start a large fire, and things like old insulation can begin to burn out of control quickly.”

For more information, visit www.CityofEdina.com/Fire or call the Edina Fire Department at 952-826-0378.