The call for help was received about 6pm, with Mid Murray Rural Fire Service and Deniliquin Fire + Rescue NSW both in attendance.
Deniliquin FRNSW Captain Martin Smith said the fire had escaped the brick chimney, and compromised the home’s structural frame.
“A bit of plaster was cut away from above the wood heater, and the timber frame was glowing with fire,” Capt Smith said.
“We cut a bigger hole in the wall and extinguished it.
“We also cooled down the brick work and monitored conditions with our thermal imaging equipment.
“The fire was confined to just above the fire place, but it could have easily been another house destroyed by fire.”
Capt Smith said while it is unclear how the fire escaped the brick chimney, he said a likely cause could be degraded mortar in the chimney structure.
He said it’s another timely reminder that flues and chimneys need to be cleaned and checked at least once a year.
Tree found alight
Deni FRNSW firefighters were called to a tree fire on Dahwilly Rd, Deniliquin on Sunday evening, about 6.45pm.
One truck and crew had the small tree extinguished within 20 minutes.
The cause of the fire has not been determined.
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