Date: Fri 25-Dec-1998

Publication: Bee

Author: ANDYG

Quick Words:

fire-Potter-Sandy-Hook

Full Text:

Heater Fire Damages Sandy Hook Home

(with photo)

BY ANDREW GOROSKO

Sandy Hook, Newtown Hook and Ladder, and Hawleyville firefighters responded to

a house fire Sunday afternoon on Washington Avenue in Sandy Hook caused when a

piece of furniture next to a propane-fired gas heater ignited.

The four residents of the Potter home at 25 Washington Avenue were away at the

time of the 3:30 pm fire. There were no injuries. A call placed by cellular

telephone alerted firefighters to the blaze.

Erwin Potter is the owner of the residence.

Sandy Hook Volunteer Fire and Rescue Company Chief Bill Halstead said the

fire, which was confined to a family room in a wing at the rear of the

wood-frame house, caused an estimated $35,000 to $40,000 in damage.

Firefighters rescued five medium-sized mixed breed dogs which were in the

house when they arrived at the scene, Chief Halstead said.

The fire apparently started after a gas-fired propane heater, which serves as

both a heater and a simulated wood-burning place fireplace, ignited an ottoman

which had been left beside it, Chief Halstead said.

Fire damage in the incident was contained in the family room which was

separated from the rest of the house by a closed door, he said. The remainder

of the house received smoke damage.

"A big plus was that the door was closed," the fire chief said.

The fire spread from the burning ottoman to a chair and also to a Christmas

tree, Chief Halstead said. Firefighters were able to retrieve many Christmas

presents from the building, he said. About 675 gallons of water were used to

extinguish the blaze.

Extensive cleaning will be needed to make the home fit for habitation, the

fire chief said.

Firemen were at the scene of the fire for more than two hours. Thirty seven

Sandy Hook firemen responded to the fire, Chief Halstead said.

The last house fire in Sandy Hook was November 27, the day after Thanksgiving,

when an accidental blaze caused by a malfunctioning wood stove ignited and

extensively damaged at on old home at 34 Berkshire Road, not far from the

Potter residence.