Fireplace ashes ignite house fire
Frankhauser Road home sustains $120,000 damage
by DAVID F. SHERMAN Managing Editor

Snyder firefighters attack flames shooting from a single-family home at 299 Frankhauser Road late Sunday night. Damage was estimated at $120,000 with the Red Cross assisting the homeowner. Photo by David F. Sherman Purchase color photos at www.BeeNews.com

An Amherst home was virtually destroyed by fire late Sunday night at the height of the holiday season.

Snyder firefighters were alerted to a house fire at 299 Frankhauser Road at 11:22 p.m. as several callers reported flames coming from the building.

Fire had already torn through the roof of the single-story home when they arrived, forcing crews to attack the blaze from in front while also trying to gain access to the attached garage.

The homeowner, William Dodge, told firefighters he was asleep but was awakened by a noise and got up to investigate. He discovered the fire and escaped through the back of the house with his pet dog.

Crews initially directed large streams of water through the front door and breezeway area from outside before making enough headway to safely enter the house.

Fire officials said Sunday's fire at 299 Frankhauser Road was caused by discarding fireplace ashes in a plastic garbage can left inside the breezeway between the garage and living area. Snyder firefighters were assisted by a Firefighter Assist and Search Team from Getzville. Photo by David F. Sherman Purchase color photos at www.BeeNews.com

Most of the structure was heavily charred, and an automobile and motorcycle in the garage were also damaged. One pet cat died in the fire, and a second was unaccounted for by firefighters.

Chief Thomas Merrill said the fire was caused by fireplace ashes discarded Saturday in a plastic garbage can stored in the breezeway.

Total damage was estimated at $120,000. One firefighter was treated at the scene for dizziness but remained on duty.

Snyder was assisted by a Firefighter Assist and Search Team from Getzville.

Merrill cautioned homeowners about proper disposal of fireplace ashes.

"Ashes can remain hot even several days after a fire and should never be placed in paper or a plastic container," he said. "Always put fireplace ashes in a metal container, and put the container outside, away from the structure and any combustibles."

EXEMPT OFFICERS - The Main-Transit Fire Department Exempt Firemen's Association recently installed officers for 2008. Shown are, from left, Dave Thompson, president; Jerry Cyrek, vice president, and Gary Stillman, secretary. Also elected were Doug Roba, treasurer, and Tom Hurley, director. Photo by David F. Sherman Purchase color photos at www.BeeNews.com