Careless smoking cause of Pepper Tree Drive fire

HOUSE FIRE - An occupant of a home at 389 Niagara Falls Boulevard, Amherst, was treated for dizziness after fire caused extensive damage to the residence, garage, and a neighboring home shortly after 3 p.m. on Tuesday, May 8. Total damage was set at $98,000 with the cause of the fire listed as careless use of smoking materials. Responding were firefighters from Eggertsville, North Bailey and Snyder. Photo by David F. Sherman Purchase color photos at www.BeeNews.com

Owners of an apartment complex on Pepper Tree Drive were issued three summons following an estimated $35,000 fire Sunday morning.

The most serious alleged violation against MJ Peterson Corp. concerned a blocked fire exit in the south stairwell of the building.

Amherst Fire Control reported the call came in at 4:46 a.m. Sunday, May 13 from 285 Pepper Tree Drive after smoke was detected on the fourth floor. The fire was located in apartment 413.

Ellicott Creek was first to respond under the leadership of Chief Mike Parker. Assisting were North Bailey, Brighton and North Amherst.

Heavy fire conditions were found in the apartment.

The resident of the apartment where the fire originated was rescued by Ellicott Creek firefighters. Cause of the blaze was careless smoking, according to fire control's report.

Residents on the fourth, fifth and sixth floor were evacuated. No injuries were reported.