Ashes Ignite In Garbage Can, Damaging A Cda Residence

Ashes that had been cleaned out of a wood stove and dumped inside a plastic garbage can sparked a fire Tuesday morning that damaged a Coeur d’Alene home.

A passer-by discovered the fire at 2318 N. Eighth about 10:30 a.m. Two firefighters - including one who fell off the roof of the ranch-style home - were taken to the hospital with minor injuries, but were not admitted.

Fire inspector Pete Vandall said a woman who lived in the house cleaned out the wood stove Tuesday and put the ashes in a plastic garbage can next to the house. The ashes reignited and started the fire, Vandall said.

Flames shot through the roof and burned along the front of the house when firefighters arrived. The attic and roof were heavily damaged, but firefighters knocked down the fire before it burned into the home’s living area.

Damage to the house and its contents was estimated at $40,000. Firefighters were able to pull furniture and computer and stereo equipment from the home that appeared undamaged.

Homeowners Robert and Jennifer Ostrowski were not home when the fire was discovered.

Vandall said it is not uncommon for ashes to remain hot for several days.

“Don’t ever assume that the ashes are not hot,” Vandall said.

, DataTimes