(photo: Jack Casey)
MAHOPAC – A malfunctioning gasoline-powered generator operating during a power outage in Mahopac resulted in a fire that heavily damaged a residence on Ann Road. No injuries were reported to firefighting personnel and the family escaped unscathed.
Sunday’s blaze sent members of the Mahopac, Mahopac Falls, Carmel, Croton Falls, Somers and Yorktown Fire Departments to the scene.
Mahopac Fire Chief William Nikisher said the blaze was reported at 1 p.m. when the mother, father and teenage daughter were at home. “The family heard popping sounds emanating from their garage and when they investigated the building was on fire.”
The chief said flames spread to the main portion of the residence. A quick response by firefighters prevented a major calamity for the family even though the garage and a vehicle inside were destroyed, he said.
The Putnam County Fire Investigation Team determined the cause of the blaze resulted from an electrical malfunction of the generator.
Assisting at the scene were members of the Carmel Police Department, paramedics from the EM STAR Ambulance Company and Putnam Battalion 16 Coordinator George Wahlers.
