Security camera warns residents of fire

HESPERIA The San Bernardino County Fire Department responded to yet another fire that may be linked to zero-clearance fireplace, but a home security camera helped the residents of the home escape unharmed.

County Fire received a report of a house fire at the 8000 block of Kingston Avenue Hesperia on Friday just before 6 a.m., according to a County Fire news release.

The first engine arrived in six minutes and found light smoke coming from the right side of the house attic. Crews also noticed light smoke coming from the fireplace area.

Crews went to work removing the wall and ceiling drywall from the fireplace, master bedroom and bathroom areas. They found smoke and a smoldering fire in the attic insulation and near the zero-clearance fireplace.

Other units arrived and assisted with the extensive job of removing the burnt insulation and checking if the fire may have spread to the rest of the home.

The occupants of the home told investigators they were viewing their security camera video and noticed the fire outside of the home. They exited the home and used a garden hose to douse the attic area until firefighters arrived.

The blaze caused an estimated $40,000 worth of damage to the home, according to the release. No injuries were reported.

County Fire Capt. Al Franco said the fire started near the fireplace, but the exact cause of the fire is unknown and still under investigation.

Eighteen firefighters responded with five engines, three ambulances, one battalion chief and one fire investigator.

Zero-clearance fireplaces are metal shafts surrounded by wood and other combustible materials. Unlike traditional brick fireplaces, they are not intended to accommodate large fires.

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Security camera warns residents of fire