Fireplace malfunction leads to new-home fire

Tuesday, Dec. 10, 1996 | 11:59 a.m.

A malfunction in a prefabricated fireplace has been blamed for a blaze inside a new northwest Las Vegas home that caused more than $40,000 in damage.

Fire investigators determined that an obstruction in either the flue pipe or the chimney caused the attic of the home at 7625 Buckskin Ave. to catch fire at 9:21 p.m. Monday.

The homeowners, who were at home when the fire started, told authorities that the fireplace had been a constant problem since they moved into the single-story wood and stucco home in the North Shore Premier II subdivision on Nov. 18.

"They were attempting to keep a fire going in the natural gas fireplace, but had difficulty keeping it going," said Tim Szymanski, Las Vegas Fire Department spokesman. "They smelled smoke and found the entire attic area on fire."

The occupants will be staying with relatives until the house is repaired.

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