Flames spread from fireplace to wall of central Lincoln home, LFR says

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) — Crews put out a fire at a house in central Lincoln on Tuesday night.

It was reported about 10 p.m. near 27th and A streets.

Lincoln Fire & Rescue said the residents smelled smoke and evacuated.

Responding crews found fire in a wall around a fireplace.

Firefighters put out the smoldering flames, but not before they caused about $25,000 in damage.

Battalion Chief Jim Bopp said investigators think the fire escaped from the fireplace and went into the wall.

He said that can happen in older homes, so fireplaces should be inspected annually.

“Get a qualified chimney sweep or someone who installs fireplaces to inspect these old ones for you,” Bopp said. “They’ll go as far as using cameras and all kinds of technology now days to check the old fireplaces out to make sure the mortar’s in place, the clay flue tile isn’t cracked.”