By Anthony Rifilato
At 3:18 p.m., firefighters responded to a house fire on Ann Street near Jackie Lane in Baldwin after reports of smoke coming from the house. Once there, they worked quickly to extinguish the blaze, said First Assistant Chief Doug Wiedmann, who was the first on the scene. About 60 firefighters responded and standby units from Freeport and Oceanside were notified in case the fire worsened, Wiedmann said.
"The fire was quickly brought under control," said Wiedmann.
Wiedmann explained that the house was vacant and undergoing renovations. He said the fire was accidental and was caused by a propane torch during the reconstruction to the home.
After the Ann Street blaze was put out, the department received another call later that night, at 9:55 p.m., this time following reports of smoke in the basement of a Browning Street residence.
Luckily, no one was home at the time, but the homeowners returned to an unpleasant sight, Wiedmann said.
"They were out and when they came home they found the house filled with smoke," said Wiedmann.
Roughly 45 firemen responded to the blaze and the fire was extinguished quickly, said Wiedmann.
Wiedmann said that there was a fire in the wall and ceiling of the house, which originated in the fireplace.
Wiedmann pointed out that both homes were without working smoke detectors, and warned that the fires could have been deadly had the residents been asleep.
"Fortunately, no one was hurt in either of these fires and the houses can be rebuilt," said Wiedmann. "Smoke detectors give you precious seconds to get your family and yourself out of the house."
Along with smoke detectors, Wiedmann recommended that homeowners also install carbon monoxide detectors near heating units. He also explained that it's important that homeowners have their fireplaces, heating units and chimneys checked by certified professionals regularly, especially during the winter months.
