Early detection prevents fire from spreading at Gwinn Street home in Medina
Press release, Medina Fire Department
MEDINA – While on routine patrol on Friday night, Medina Police Officer Zangerle noticed heavy smoke in the 1000 block of Gwinn Street. Not seeing any chimneys smoking in the area, Officer Zangerle had the Fire Department dispatched for a smoke investigation while he checked out the rear of a residence.
Simultaneously that resident was investigating the odor of plastic burning in her home as Officer Zangerle knocked on her door to alert her of a possible fire with the amount of smoke coming from the eves and roof vents of her house.
Medina Engine 11 and Ladder 40 arrived on scene and requested the balance of the first alarm assignment for a structure fire with smoke coming from the basement windows and the roof vents. Crews quickly found and contained a fire in the wall behind the fireplace in a rear room of the structure.
Lyndonville crews were cancelled and Shelby crews assisted on scene with laddering the structure as well as with ventilation of the basement and attic. Village and County fire investigators are investigating the fire at this time, the cause is not suspicious. Thanks to all agencies involved in this call.
There were no working smoke detectors in the residence. The homeowner was home with a fire burning in the fireplace and was seeking out the odor in her house as the police witnessed smoke coming from the attic. This minor fire could have had deadly results if it had occurred at 3 a.m. while people were asleep.
We urge you to check and maintain your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors because early detection and warning of the smoke and/or toxic gases will save your life.
