Hidden fire damages Columbus home

Note: This story has been updated

Columbus Fire Department battled a small blaze hidden in a home yesterday on the northeast side of the city.

According to Capt. Mike Wilson, spokesman for the fire department, residents of a home in the 5100 block of Montpelier Court smelled smoke in a bedroom and called 911 at just after 11 a.m. When firefighters arrived, they were able to confirm smoke in the home. A thermal imaging camera was used and discovered heat in a bathroom wall.

After firefighters opened the wall they found a small fire and extinguished it. On the other side they found a ventless gas fireplace. After removing drywall they discovered charred wall framing around the fireplace. Investigators say that heat from the fireplace caused the wooden building materials to burn undetected inside the wall.

The home is occupied by two residents and they have two dogs. No one was injured.

Damages are estimated at $10,000.

The Red Cross is assisting the family.

Photo courtesy of Columbus Fire Department