Beech Grove VFD responded to an HVAC electrical fire this morning

Beech Grove VFD Chief James Gunter

At 1:12 am Thursday morning Beech Grove Volunteer Fire Department was dispatched to a reported residential structure fire on CR 164.

Arriving units found no visible fire. A Sheriff’s Deputy with the Jasper County Sheriff’s Office was on scene and reported that upon his arrival, he discharged his fire extinguisher on a small fire underneath the rear of the mobile home. Light smoke was still visible in this area. The homeowner reported they had turned the main electrical breaker off to the house.

Closer examination revealed that an electrical fire had occurred within an exterior electrical outlet underneath the rear of the home, in the area of the outside HVAC unit. Fire damage was contained to that immediate area.

The homeowner reported having recent electrical issues and an electrician had just performed work on the electrical system the prior day. The homeowner was advised to leave electricity to the home turned off until they could get an electrician to make the necessary repairs.

Quick action by both the homeowner and Sheriff’s Deputy limited the damage.

Beech Grove responded with Engine 11, Tanker 11, and 8 firefighters.