An accidental fire at a Centralia house started on a stovetop and traveled up to the roof through a vent, causing moderate damage, said Riverside Fire Authority.
Units responded to the 1300 block of Kulien Avenue at 11 a.m. Thursday, according to a press release, after someone called in to say there were flames visible on the roof.
When firefighters got there, they found there was no one in the house. They also discovered that the fire had started in the kitchen, and spread to the cabinets above. However, it appeared to have been extinguished with a dry-chemical extinguisher prior to their arrival.
However, a small fire was still burning at the roof level, and was then extinguished. Authorities say the fire likely spread through a vent. The rest of the building was checked out, but no other fire was seen.
Crews contacted the house’s owner, who informed them an occupant called about an accidental fire. The occupant told the owner that he had put out the fire on his own, but was likely unaware that the flames had spread.
“The Riverside Fire Authority would like to remind everyone, in the event of a fire in the home, the fire can easily travel in hidden places that may not be visible to the untrained observer. It is important to always notify the fire department if you have an accidental fire in your home so that we can come and make sure that everything is safe for you and your family,” reads the press release.
