Fire at North Springfield home traced to pellet stove vent

Vermont state fire investigators said Wednesday a blaze at a North Springfield home earlier this week was traced to a pellet stove vent pipe.

http://www.rutlandherald.com/article/20150312/NEWS02/703129889

Fire at North Springfield home traced to pellet stove vent By Susan Smallheer Staff Writer | March 12,2015 PHOTO BY LEN EMERY Springfield Fire Chief Russell Thompson examines damage from a fire to a home on Church Street in North Springfield. NORTH SPRINGFIELD — Vermont state fire investigators said Wednesday a blaze at a North Springfield home earlier this week was traced to a pellet stove vent pipe. Damage to the home owned by Ken Vandenburgh was estimated at $25,000. Springfield firefighters, aided by several area departments, fought the blaze Monday afternoon at 5 Church St., and successfully rescued a family cat that was hiding in the home. According to Assistant State Fire Marshal Paul Spicer, his investigation traced the start of the fire to the vent pipe in the basement of the building. “At this time, the cause of the fire is listed as undetermined, however, it is not considered suspicious,” Spicer said. A member of the Vandenburgh family was home and was able to escape the fire without injury. Spicer said his investigation would not determine the cause of the fire. That is usually determined by an insurance company, he said. “We have no specific cause, only the area of origin,” Spicer said. The Vandenburgh family was assisted by the American Red Cross, he said. The home can be repaired. Ken Vandenburgh, who is a member of the Springfield School Board and works for the town of Woodstock, couldn’t be reached for comment Wednesday. Spicer said the Springfield Fire Department received the call at about 3:30 p.m. Monday, and on arrival, the south end of the home was on fire with moderate smoke throughout the building. Firefighters were able to limit the fire damage to the south end of the structure and the exterior siding. “The department made a great stop,” Springfield Fire Chief Russell Thompson said. The Vandenburgh family lost another house to fire in the same location several years ago. Area departments helping to fight the fire and cover the Springfield station included Ascutney, Westminster and Bellows Falls fire departments, while the Charlestown, N.H., fire department provided a cover truck at the Springfield station. Spicer said he wanted to remind everyone to test home smoke and carbon monoxide alarms on a monthly basis. And he said the state Division of Fire Safety says people should always hire properly licensed and trained people to install plumbing, heating and electrical equipment.