Bartlett fire causes $200,000 in damage

A faulty fireplace started a blaze inside a Bartlett home Sunday afternoon, causing about $200,000 in damage, according to fire officials.

Firefighters from Bartlett and eight neighboring departments battled the fire, which broke out at about 1:50 p.m. on the 1000 block of Knollwood Lane.

Fire officials said the family was home when the fire started but were able to escape without injury.

A hole in the firebox of the home’s fireplace caused the fire, which spread quickly and caused extensive damage to the house, said Bartlett Fire District Batallion Chief Mike Clarke.

The blaze killed the animals in the family’s fish tank and also melted the siding on the home next door, Clarke said.

Early reports estimated the damage to the home at $150,000 and the contents at $50,000.

The Bartlett fire protection district is urging residents to have their fire places checked annually.