Date: Fri 10-Jan-1997

Publication: Bee

Author: ANDYG

Quick Words:

fire-McGrath-Gelding-Hill

Full Text:

with cut: Fire Damages Vacant House

A malfunctioning outdoor electrical outlet caused a fire which did an

estimated $25,000 damage to a Gelding Hill Road house on January 3, according

to Sandy Hook Volunteer Fire and Rescue Company Chief Bill Halstead.

Chief Halstead said Sandy Hook firefighters received a call just before 7 am

to respond to 27 Gelding Hill Road to put out the blaze.

An electrical outlet failed, resulting in a fire spreading up through the

framing of a bay window at the single-family house, the fire chief said.

Edward McGrath, an owner of the house which was vacant at the time, had been

in the area when he noticed the fire, Chief Halstead said.

There were no injuries.

Sandy Hook, Botsford, Newtown Hook and Ladder, and Hawleyville firefighters

responded to the call. The fire was out within five minutes of the

firefighters' arrival, the fire chief said.