Driver alerts family of fire

Staff report

CAMPBELL

A driver passing by 123 Camvet Drive Sunday evening spotted a chimney fire, called 911 and then alerted the residents of the house.

Capt. Dave Horvath of the Campbell Fire Department said the 7:49 p.m. fire apparently resulted from a creosote buildup. It caused flames and hot embers to shoot out of the chimney, which is what the motorist spotted, Horvath said.

The family put water into the fireplace, and firefighters put out the fire in the top of the chimney, Horvath said. There was no damage to the home, and no smoke came into the house.

But it could have been dangerous to the occupants of the house if the fire hadn’t been spotted, and the smoke would have come into the house or attic, Horvath said.

The family was unaware of the chimney fire until they were alerted, Horvath said.