Overheated kiln flue caused Eagledale Park fire

Published 11:57 am Monday, July 27, 2009

A Bainbridge Fire Department investigation has concluded that an overheated pottery kiln flue caused the fire that destroyed an outbuilding at Eagledale Park on July 23.

Fire Marshal Jared Moravec said the blaze had been ruled accidental. The overheated flue pipe set fire to the wooden roof of the shelter that covers the kiln, he said.

The kiln, which is used to fire pottery for Bainbridge Island Metropolitan Park and Recreation District classes, had been heated to more than 1,000 degrees Fahrenheit.

The fire occurred shortly after 3 p.m. and forced the evacuation of a nearby classroom. Fire crews quickly extinguished the flames and no injuries were reported.