October 3, 2003

Working smoke detector averts disaster

       The actions of a quick-thinking contractor and a working smoke detector both lead to minimal damage as a result of a kitchen fire on Friday.  The accidental fire was started by a candle being left lit while the home was unattended at 200 Serenity Way.  "The candle burned down igniting some papers on the kitchen counter and then eventually some dried flowers and the cabinets," said Division Chief and Chief Investigator Eric Brown.  A contractor working across the street at the time was taking some construction debris to the roadside for trash pick-up when he heard what sounded like a smoke detector sounding.  After a brief investigation, he noticed it was coming from the house across the street.  When he went over to check it out, he saw smoke coming from a rear window and immediately dialed 911.  The contractor, Joe McMahon, of New Whiteland, then continued to knock on the windows and doors to alert any occupants inside.  No one was home.  Fire damage was limited to the kitchen and smoke damage was evident throughout the first floor.  The fire was quickly extinguished by the first-arriving engine crew, who were on the scene for nearly an hour.  No monetary estimates on loss were available at press time.

           
(Click on a thumbnail to view larger photo)

     

---