A bird nest tucked inside a porch light is being blamed for a fire that damaged a home’s deck and siding in Friendship, Indiana.
The fire happened around 8:13 p.m. last Wednesday in the 3800 block of East Olean Road, according to Eagle Country 99.3.
Friendship Volunteer Fire Department said no injuries were reported.
When firefighters arrived, the homeowner had already knocked down flames on the deck and at the rear of the structure. Firefighters then checked the area and made sure the fire was fully out.
The Homeowner Spotted The Fire Early
The fire damaged the siding and deck, but firefighters said the situation could have become more serious. The department credited the homeowner with seeing the blaze early and improvising with a mop to help suppress the flames.
WRBI reported that Versailles Fire Rescue and Ripley County EMS were also dispatched, then told to disregard after the situation was brought under control.
Firefighters Say They Have Seen This Before
Friendship Volunteer Fire Department said the fire appeared to have started from a bird nest in the porch light. The department said it has seen this type of problem before and urged residents to check their lights.
Porch lights, garage lights, deck lights, and other exterior fixtures can become nesting spots before homeowners notice. Dry grass, twigs, leaves, feathers, and other nesting material can become a fire risk when they sit too close to a hot bulb or fixture.
Check Lights Before A Nest Becomes Active
The U.S. Fire Administration advises homeowners to keep anything that can burn away from lamps, light fixtures, and light bulbs. It also says bulbs should match the recommended wattage for the lamp or fixture.
That makes exterior lights worth checking regularly, especially in spring and summer when birds are looking for sheltered places to nest.
Homeowners also need to be careful once a nest is active. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service says it is illegal under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act to destroy a nest with eggs or chicks in it, or when young birds still depend on the nest for survival.
If a nest in a light fixture appears active, contact local wildlife officials, animal control, or a licensed professional before removing it, unless there is an immediate safety emergency. Damaged, scorched, loose, or overheating fixtures should be handled by a qualified professional.