Homeowner escapes blaze in Watson, Lowville Fire Chief says

LEWIS COUNTY- A house was destroyed in flames overnight in the Lowville Fire District.

It happened sometime shortly after 3:30 a.m. Wednesday at 6682 Erie Canal Road, town of Watson.

Lowville was the primary fire department on scene; receiving assistance Beaver Falls, Croghan and New Bremen.

As of this report, the cause remains undetermined, however; Fire Chief Joe Austin says this blaze appears to have sparked on the back porch of the home, where there were multiple ignition sources.

Regardless, there is no reason to believe any sort of suspicion, emergency officials clarified.

Homeowner Bruce Lehman was asleep when the fire started, the Lowville Fire Department said. Fortunately, he was able to escape without any harm and call for help at a neighbor’s house, due to poor cell reception.

It took firefighters about a half-hour to douse the bulk of this fire. Another two-hours were spent with overhaul operations.

Members from the New York State Police, Lewis County Sheriff’s Office, Lowville Fire Auxiliary, National Grid and the town of Watson all provided assistance.

Image via Lowville Fire Department.