House fires only become more common as temperatures drop and the use of fireplaces rises

Two people have been displaced and one of them is injured after a fire that started in a western Albemarle County residence's chimney spread into the rest of the house Tuesday night.

While early evidence suggests the fire was accidental in nature, an investigation is ongoing.

Local News Jackson-Via car fires ruled accidental DAILY PROGRESS STAFF

Firefighters with Albemarle County Fire Rescue were dispatched to a reported house fire in the 2600 block of Crystal Spring Lane in the Miran Forest area south of Batesville around 8:43 p.m. Tuesday.

"The building was occupied by two residents at the time of the fire who were able to self-evacuate," the county fire department said in a statement. "One occupant was evaluated at the scene for minor injuries."

Both of the displaced residents are being assisted by the American Red Cross, according to the fire department.

House fires are more common during the coldest months of the year, due to the dry conditions outdoors and the use of fireplaces and heaters indoors. There were three house fires in just eight days in nearby Greene County between late November and early December, and four cars in a Charlottesville elementary school parking lot caught fire just before the Thanksgiving break after radiant heat from an exhaust ignited a pile of dry leaves.

Confined fires, that is those fires confined to chimneys, flues or flue burners, account for 87% of residential building heating fires, according to the U.S. Fire Administration.

"Albemarle County Fire Rescue would like to take this time to remind the community to have your chimney inspected and cleaned each year by a qualified professional," the fire department said. "Make sure to keep anything that can burn at least 3 feet from your fireplace or wood stove and to put the fire out before going to sleep or leaving your home."