Botsford Fire Injures Tenant

By Andrew Gorosko

An accidental house fire in Botsford early Sunday morning slightly injured the home’s occupant, caused an estimated $35,000 in property damage, and made the dwelling uninhabitable, according to Fire Marshal George Lockwood.

Firefighters from Botsford, Sandy Hook, and Newtown Hook and Ladder responded to the blaze reported about 2:30 am Sunday at 277-A South Main Street, just south of Button Shop Road.

Resident Sal Rinaldi awoke to the crackling noise of flames in the small two-story home, said Mr Lockwood. Mr Lockwood estimated Mr Rinaldi to be in his late 50s.

Newtown Volunteer Ambulance Corps members treated Mr Rinaldi, who is a tenant, for smoke inhalation at the scene, the fire marshal said.

 The fire began after an improperly installed furnace, which had been running hard due to cold conditions, ignited nearby wooden objects, Mr Lockwood said. The furnace had been installed too close to a combustible wooden floor and door, he noted.

 The house probably can be repaired to make it livable again, Mr Lockwood said. Building Official Tom Paternoster will be inspecting the house to check on the extent of structural damage, the fire marshal said.

United Fire Company of Botsford Fire Chief Steve Belair described the fire as a stubborn, extensive blaze, which found its way into the house’s walls and flooring, causing much fire and smoke damage and proving difficult to extinguish.

About 30 firefighters from the three companies responded to the blaze, he said. They were at the scene for about two hours. The small house in which the fire occurred is one of two houses on the property, he said.

During the course of the house fire, Botsford firefighters responded to two other calls – one at Sand Hill Plaza, which was a malfunctioning alarm, and the other for a broken fire sprinkler head at Ashlar of Newtown. The broken sprinkler head caused extensive water damage at the nursing home, Chief Belair said.