Arson suspected in residential fire

Eggertsville firefighters stretch hose lines to battle a raging fire at 81 Lamont Dr. early Sunday morning. Photo courtesy Jeff Poole

A white man, described as approximately 18 years old and 5 feet 10 inches tall, was seen running from a home that was damaged by fire over the weekend. Police continue to search for him in connection to the blaze.

Kathleen Kistner of 81 Lamont Drive reported that when she went to her kitchen early Sunday morning she saw a man running from her home. When she realized her breezeway, between the home and garage, was on fire she attempted to call 911, but her phone was not operable, Amherst Assistant Chief John Askey said.

Kistner went to a neighbor's house on Rosedale Drive to report the 2:55 a.m. fire.

Eggertsville Hose Company Fire Chief Michael Boehm said when the company responded, the house was well involved in flames. He then requested a second alarm, and North Bailey Fire Company responded.

Approximately 30 minutes after responding, the fire companies had the fire under control. Kistner escaped without injury, but two cats died in the fire.

Damage is estimated at $200,000.

Askey said a Buffalo fire arson dog was brought to the scene. Amherst police bagged five beer cans - four located at a corner near the home and one at the end of the driveway - as evidence.

The probable cause of the fire was traced to a snow blower in the breezeway where gasoline had been leaking. The homeowner reportedly saw the suspect leaning over the snow blower.

Police searched the area but did not locate the man in question. An investigation is continuing.

Another fire in town was reported 45 minutes prior to the Lamont Drive blaze.

A home at 26 Hickory Hill Road, owned by Frank Aquilla, had $75,000 in damages from a fire that was reported at 2:14 a.m. Sunday.

A neighbor reported the fire after detecting an odor of smoke. Upon arrival, East Amherst Fire Assistant Chief Michael Secor requested mutual aid. No injuries were reported.

Swormville and Main-Transit fire departments responded.

The fire was caused by combustibles that were too close to a hot water tank.