Information from WYSH Radio
A Sunday morning fire caused significant damage to a home on Park Avenue and sent one Clinton firefighter to the hospital for treatment of minor injuries.
The fire was reported at around 7:30 a.m. Sunday by homeowner Ralph Foster. Foster told authorities he had smelled a strange odor when he woke up and saw fire and smoke coming out of the attic vent and the chimney to his woodburning stove. Foster tried to fight the fire with his garden hose until the first Clinton Fire Department units arrived, and he was uninjured.
As firefighters tried to make entry into the home, an explosion most likely caused by a backdraft blew Firefighter J.C. Townsend backward about eight feet, resulting in a trip to the emergency room. Townsend was released about two and a half hours later and is back at work Tuesday, according to CFD Chief Archie Brummitt.
The fire caused significant damage to the wood-frame house, with fire and smoke damage to the roof, attic, second floor, and the first-floor ceiling as well as water, heat, and smoke damage throughout the rest of the house, which was not insured.
Investigators determined that the fire was accidental, most likely caused by a build-up of residue from the wood-burning stove in the chimney and flue.
The Red Cross responded to the scene to assist Foster with lodging and other arrangements.
More information will be added as it becomes available.
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