Buffalo (NY) Structure Fire Caused by Attempt to Thaw Pipes

Story and photos by Kevin Brautlacht
www.wowmephotos.com

Buffalo (NY) firefighters were dispatched to 200 Abbott Road for a structure fire at 2219 hours on January 8.

The fire was caused by the occupants thawing water pipes with a torpedo heater. The structure was a 2 1/2-story occupied wood frame.

Crews began an aggressive interior attack and found fire on the first floor and began opening the walls and knocking down fire. Command requested an extra two engines and one ladder as several problems; hydrants buried by snow, fire running the walls to the second floor and attic, and difficult access to the house (it was a rear cottage behind the main address).

The fire quickly extended in the walls and command ordered everyone out and asked for the balance of the second alarm. An emergency head count was preformed and the fire was fought defensively at this point.

The fire was put under control at 0006 hours. Damage was listed at $120,000.

View more photos from this incident HERE.

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