A homeowner caught his home on fire last night after using bicycle tires to start a fire in his fireplace.
The structure fire took place at 1000 W. Ninth St. at around 11:30 p.m.
According to Marion Fire Department Chief Geoff Williams, the first unit on the scene found flames breaching the chimney area inside the home’s garage.
Fire crews were able to extinguish the garage’s ceiling and rafter area surrounding the chimney.
According to Williams, homeowner Michael Carper, 48, stated he had started a fire in his fireplace by using a bicycle tire to start the fire. Those flames breached a faulty flue pipe, before spreading across the home’s ceiling.
American Electric Power arrived on the scene and was able to disconnect the residence’s electrical power.
Red Cross provided the home’s occupants with shelter at a hotel.
