Fire causes $70,000 damage

A basement fire at 62 Audubon Drive has been blamed on deteriorating mortar in a fireplace firebox.

Snyder firefighters responded to the alarm at 5:31 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 27 and discovered that no one was home at the time. Firefighters observed a haze of smoke through the windows and forced entry into the home and found a fire in the basement. Under the direction of Chief Thomas Merrill, the fire was brought under control in 24 minutes.

The blaze caused $50,000 damage to the structure and $20,000 to the contents. Damage was contained to the first floor and basement of the home, owned by Michael Maxwell.

Also assisting were Main-Transit Fire Department's FAST team and the Williamsville Fire Department. Amherst fire inspectors and members of the police department responded.

One Snyder firefighter was transported by Twin City Ambulance to St. Joseph Hospital for an eye injury, and another was treated on the scene and returned to duty.