Sandy Hook House Fire Caused By Electrical Problem

By Andrew Gorosko

An investigation into an attic fire that extensively damaged a Sandy Hook Center house last week indicates that an electrical malfunction started the blaze, according to Fire Marshal Bill Halstead.

Mr Halstead, who also is chief of the Sandy Hook Volunteer Fire and Rescue Company, said this week that the point of origin of the accidental fire at 20 Washington Avenue appears to be an electrical junction box located within a wall.

Although the fire’s point of origin was in the vicinity a propane-powered furnace in the attic, the fire did not start at the furnace, Chief Halstead said.

Chief Halstead estimated that the blaze caused $200,000 of property damage. It is unclear whether the damaged structure will be repaired, he said, adding that such a decision would be made by the firm that insures the property.

The house is owned by Michael Burton, a local builder and developer who also is a captain with the Sandy Hook fire company. The house was vacant at the time of the fire. There were no injuries.

The fire struck the small single-family house about 10:20 pm May 24. Sandy Hook, Newtown Hook & Ladder and Hawleyville firefighters responded.

The rental house was undergoing renovations. Workmen had been inside the structure earlier that day, preparing it for a new rental.

The house is set back from the street on the west side of Washington Avenue, near that street’s intersection with Crestwood Drive.

The fire caused scorch and smoke damage to the structure, destroying a section of the roof. Firefighting caused water damage to the building. It is unclear how long the fire was burning in the attic before it was discovered.