Brownsville house fire leaves family homeless
BROWNSVILLE – Firefighters spent more than three hours battling a house fire at 1420 Water St. Monday night. According to South Brownsville Fire Chief Ed “Woody” Nicholson the fire began around 8:15 p.m. near a wood-burning stove in a shed behind the house. The state police fire marshal was called in to investigate and ruled that the fire was accidental.
Nicholson said the fire spread from the wood burner to gas cans that were stored in the area, and then to the house. Nicholson said the house appears to be salvageable, but it suffered extensive damage.
The house was occupied by Don and Patty Bakewell. Only Don Bakewell was home at the time of the fire. He escaped without injury.
Nicholson said that the Bakewells are staying with relatives while the house is repaired.
South Brownsville was assisted by Brownsville Fire Co. No 1(North Side), Hiller, Labelle and West Brownsville fire companies and the Brownsville and Hiller ambulance services.
Nicholson said his department left the scene at 11:30 p.m.