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Electric line to air conditioner caused Gouverneur house fire that injured resident

Posted 7/17/13

By MATT LINDSEY GOUVERNEUR – An overheated electrical line servicing an air conditioner caused a fire and heavy smoke damage to a home located at 94 Dane Rd., Gouverneur on Tuesday night. St. …

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Electric line to air conditioner caused Gouverneur house fire that injured resident

Posted

By MATT LINDSEY

GOUVERNEUR – An overheated electrical line servicing an air conditioner caused a fire and heavy smoke damage to a home located at 94 Dane Rd., Gouverneur on Tuesday night.

St. Lawrence County Fire Investigator Joe Lacks said Kelvin Bice and Jessica Lefevere were returning home with two children when Bice noticed smoke coming out of the windows. Bice, suffered a burn to his hand and was treated on scene according to St. Lawrence County Fire Investigator Joe Lacks.

Lacks said an electric line ignited insulation and caught a stud in the wall on fire. Fire damage was limited to the living room but there was extensive smoke and heat damage throughout the home.

The home was reportedly insured but the tenant’s possessions were not. The American Red Cross is assisting the family.

Gouverneur Fire Department received the call at 7:35 p.m. Mutual aid was supplied by Richville volunteers.

Edwards, Oxbow, and DeKalb fire departments provided standby coverage.

Investigators report that the home was owned by Amanda and Leland Whitton, 90 Dane Rd., Gouvereur. Lacks strongly urges people to remember to unplug any unnecessary electronics when they are not home.

The Gouverneur Fire Department was back in service at 9:22 p.m. last night.