Janesville home nearly destroyed by fire
A Janesville man was displaced from his home Wednesday night after a fire caused $100,000 damage to his $140,000 east-side home.
When Janesville firefighters were dispatched at 8 p.m. to 1610 Clover Lane, they could see flames, from two blocks away, shooting through the roof of Russell Stebe’s single-family ranch-style home, said Bill Ruchti, shift commander.
The fire was not suspicious, Ruchti said.
“We believe the fire started around the fireplace chimney and attic,’’ he said.
Stebe has been burning wood in the fireplace regularly each day, Ruchti said.
After hearing some popping noises, Stebe investigated and found fire in the attic.
“It was through the roof and at the back of the attached two-car garage,’’ Ruchti said.
Stebe’s home was insured and he is staying with a relative for now, Ruchti said.
Oct 23, 2008 at 4:38 p.m.
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Why is it necessary to make a comment about GM closing on every single blog? Can't we comment on ANYTHING without throwing a remark about GM in there? Enough already!
Oct 23, 2008 at 3:58 p.m.
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Good thing everyone is OK.
Oct 23, 2008 at 1:22 p.m.
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THERE WILL BE MORE INSURANCE CLAIMS,THERE IN JANESVILLE.GM CLOSING AND ALL.GLAD NO ONE WAS INJURED.
Oct 23, 2008 at 12:51 p.m.
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Read the instructions very carefully on the imitation logs,,, it says "do not" use in metal fireplaces. And most of the modern day fireplaces are metal inserts!!
Oct 23, 2008 at 11:40 a.m.
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U can also use a Joseph Enterprises®
Creosote Sweeping Log it cost $15.00 at farm and fleet.u should use at least once a year.
Oct 23, 2008 at 10:04 a.m.
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Having your chimneys checked each year doesn't guarantee you won't have a fire. I'm happy to hear he got out ok.
Oct 23, 2008 at 9:20 a.m.
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I wonder if that would be considered a total loss then. It would seem excessive to spend approximately $100,000 to repair a $140,000 home. Glad he's okay, though, and I hope he is able to salvage most of his personal belongings.
Oct 23, 2008 at 8:46 a.m.
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There are reasons why chimney's should be inspected each year
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