Short circuit in furnace causes basement fire

A Berehaven Drive residence suffered $7,000 in damages on Feb. 19 after an electrical short circuit in the furnace ignited a pile of clothing, Amherst Fire Control reported.

Ellicott Creek Fire Company, assisted by Getzville and Brighton fire companies, responded at 2:16 p.m. and arrived at the duplex owned by Dwight Tucker.

Led by Ellicott Creek Assistant Chief Dave DeMeester, firefighters located the smoke in the basement and extinguished the blaze. The structure suffered $5,000 in damages, and contents were estimated at $2,000.

No injuries were reported.