EVERETT — Fire sparked by fireplace ashes Tuesday afternoon kindled a family’s home.
Crews were called to a home in the 12600 block of 29th Place W. at 3:30 p.m., Snohomish County Fire District 1 spokeswoman Leslie Hynes said.
Two of the home’s five residents were home at the time and got out safely. Firefighters also rescued from the basement an American Eskimo dog named Baby, Hynes said.
Flames were contained to the garage, but the smoke caused heavy damage throughout the home. The damage is estimated at around $75,000. Red Cross volunteers were assisting the family, which includes a child.
Investigators determined the fire started in the garage, where ashes from the fireplace had been stored in a plastic container.
“We’ve seen fires like this before,” Hynes said. “The best thing to do with the fireplace ashes is put them in a metal container, wet them down and keep them away from your house.”
Ashes may flare up even if they feel cool to the touch, Hynes said.
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