Chimney fire severely damages timber roof and upper flat in Escaldes-Engordany

Fire crews extinguished a chimney fire this morning in a borda-style building on Carrer d’Engordany in Escaldes-Engordany that severely damaged the timber roof and the upper flat; there were no reported injuries.

According to emergency services, the blaze started in a home fireplace and propagated up the chimney into the wooden roof structure. The tenant had reportedly lit the fire and left it to burn down on its own, and the chimney — which sources say had not been cleaned for some time — likely helped the flames spread. The building’s traditional borda construction, with beams and wooden elements, contributed to rapid extension of the fire.

Firefighters found the upper structure extensively involved and dismantled much of the roof to reach and extinguish hidden hotspots. The upper flat was affected by fire, smoke and the water used in firefighting operations.

Authorities dispatched two fire units, including a ladder truck and an extinguishing vehicle, which were positioned on Avinguda del Copríncep de Gaulle during the response. Reports differ slightly on timing: the alarm was reported in the morning, with accounts placing it between shortly after 8 a.m. and just after 9 a.m.

Initial brief reports described the incident as a small apartment fire causing only material damage, but crews later confirmed that damage to the roof and upper dwelling is significant. Firefighters remained on scene to complete operations and to assess the full extent of material losses.