Expert: Insulation caused $85K Layton fire

LAYTON -- Layton city's fire prevention specialist Doug Bitton said insulation a family received as part of a promotion by a utility company caused a fire that displaced the family of six Saturday night.

Bitton said he fears other homes could face similar blazes if homeowners don't take precautions right away to ensure their new insulation isn't posing fire hazards.

He said the home, near 1500 North and Cherry Lane, caught fire around 8 p.m. Saturday when attic insulation that had been blown directly onto a pipe that served as a chimney for a free-standing stove ignited.

"Chimney pipes need two inches around them with a sleeve around them keeping insulation out," he said.

Bitton said he wants to put out an advisory to homeowners who have had insulation blown in. He hopes they will take caution to ensure that their homes are safe.

Volunteers from the American Red Cross were on hand at Saturday's fire to ensure that the family was taken care of. The family is staying with extended family.