Faulty fireplace cited as cause of fire

COLUMBIA — The Columbia Fire Department has determined that the cause of the Saturday morning house fire at 410 N. Fifth St. was unintentional.

Investigators found that mortar failing to hold together bricks in a fireplace caused the fire.

The failure of the mortar caused hot remains of the night’s fire to fall into the wooden frame of a wall space, according to a news release from the Fire Department.

Firefighters were called around 2 a.m. Saturday morning and found heavy smoke and fire coming from the roof.

No injuries were reported.

A report showed the fire damage was estimated at about $45,000 and the home was valued at about $65,000.

The Fire Department reminds residents to have fireplaces, wood-burning stoves, chimneys and flues inspected annually to ensure safety.