COLUMBUS— The Columbus Fire Department is investigating a fire that damaged a vacant residence on East 16th Street Thursday evening.
Firefighters were dispatched to 3122 East 16th St. around 11:11 p.m. upon receiving reports of a house fire. Upon arrival, crews encountered heavy smoke billowing from the property.
Firefighters entered the home and discovered a significant fire in the kitchen area. The flames had spread into the attic, requiring crews to remove portions of the ceiling to extinguish the fire.
Investigators determined the home was vacant and currently listed for sale through a local real estate company. They contacted the homeowners, who confirmed that the property had been unoccupied for six months.
The homeowners informed investigators that an offer on the home had recently been accepted, and a home inspection had been conducted at the property.
Investigators will be working with the home inspector as part of their ongoing investigation into the cause of the fire.
While a damage estimate has not yet been released, investigators believe the structural damage to the approximately 900-square-foot home will likely result in a significant financial loss.
No injuries were reported at the scene.
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