Illegal Outdoor Fireplace Ignites Neighbor's Deck

A fire that started in an unattended chiminea near Teele Square spread to a neighbor's yard and rear deck, causing thousands of dollars worth of damage, according to the Somerville Fire Department.

The fire happened early in the morning on Sunday, according to an email from Deputy Chief Charles Breen of the Somerville Fire Department.

Breen's email said the chiminea—an outdoor clay fireplace—was left burning overnight after a party at 17-19 Westminster St. When firefighters arrived at 5:03 a.m., they found a fire that had spread to dry leaves, a wooden fence and a tree. The fire was in two yards, at 17-19 Westminster St. and at 20 Lovell St., which is behind Westminster Street.

The fire had also spread to the rear deck of 20 Lovell St., according to Breen's email, and it took firefighters about an hour to put out the fire.

Fire pits and chimineas are prohibited in Somerville, Breen said.

The Somerville Fire Department also responded to two smaller fires in the past few days, according to the deputy chief.

He said a bedroom candle ignited a lampshade at 57 Oak St. at about 1:04 a.m. Thursday. The resident put out the fire, but firefighters responded.

Later on Thursday, at 8:56 a.m., firefighters put out a fire in a compost bin at 204 Summer St., according to Breen's email. The fire scorched the exterior of the building and damaged vents to the heating system.