A fire ignited from a chimney in Happy Valley, Adelaide, has caused approximately $250,000 in damage to two properties, leading to a crucial reminder regarding outdoor heater safety. The incident unfolded shortly after 8.30pm, prompting a response from 16 firefighters who used angle grinders to access the rear of the homes on Tripoli Road, where the fire had started in a carport.
The blaze quickly escalated after originating from a chimney located in a rear pergola. Neighbour Raymond described the situation: “Embers were flying over our fence, so I was out the back just watching, ensuring our property was safe.” Meanwhile, Shiralee Lindner, a resident of one of the affected houses, learned of the fire while she was away. Her niece, Libby, recounted Shiralee’s shocked reaction upon hearing the news that her home was on fire.
Shiralee expressed her gratitude towards neighbours who promptly alerted her son, allowing him to rescue their dog before the fire escalated. Firefighters successfully evacuated several animals from the residences, including a snake and some birds, while paramedics assessed a young infant for any potential health concerns. Unfortunately, the fire resulted in the destruction of two vehicles.
The Metropolitan Fire Service highlighted the incident as a significant reminder about the importance of ventilation when using outdoor heaters and the necessity of cleaning these appliances annually to avoid the accumulation of flammable materials.