Attempt to thaw frozen pipes sparked Lake Road fire

NEWPORT — A fire that broke out in Newport was caused by a heating device that was being used to thaw frozen pipes, fire investigators say.

At around 9:30 a.m. on February 9, the Newport City Fire Department responded to 1161 Lake Road for a house fire.

The homeowners were home at the time of the fire.

Authorities say the fire was on the second floor and attic area of the house.

After putting out the fire, Newport City fire chief requested an origin and cause investigation.

Investigators determined that the fire had originated on the first floor, on an inside wall.

The fire traveled upward within the walls of the old house and into the attic space.

Once in the attic the fire quickly spread.

The second floor and roof structure of the house was destroyed, and the remaining first floor resulted in heavy smoke, water, and fire damage.

Investigators say the cause of the fire was determined to be the use of a heating device by the homeowner to thaw frozen pipes inside the house.

Fire investigators say you should never use an open flame to thaw frozen pipes.

To prevent pipes from freezing open cabinet doors to expose the pipe to the natural heat in your home.

They say insulating your pipes or leaving your faucet at a slow drip can also avoid any freezing.