CFD: Propane Torch Used To Thaw Pipes Caused Brighton Park Fire That Displaced 15

CHICAGO (CBS) -- Authorities have determined that a Brighton Park fire that displaced 15 people on New Year's Day was caused by someone using a propane torch to thaw frozen pipes.

Crews were on scene about 7:30 a.m. Jan. 1 attacking the blaze at the home in the 2400 block of West 46th Place, according to the Chicago Fire Department's Media Affairs Office. Heavy smoke and flames could be seen coming from the building's roof.

Firefighters went defensive as they deployed four lines to extinguish the flames, according to the fire department. About an hour later, the fire was struck out with no one injured.

The department's Office of Fire Investigations later determined that the fire was caused by a propane torch that was used to thaw pipes that had frozen, according to the fire department.

(Source: Sun-Times Media Wire © Chicago Sun-Times 2017. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)

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