Overview
- The Jan. 30 blaze began at a front corner gutter on Craig Street as the homeowner used a torch on an ice dam, then raced through the attic.
- The resident slid off his ladder, called 911, and he and his partner escaped safely, with no injuries reported.
- Milton firefighters, assisted by neighboring departments, worked for hours in subfreezing conditions to bring the fire under control.
- Deputy Chief John Earner said a seemingly small gutter flare-up became a fully involved attic fire within minutes.
- Authorities are using the incident to stress avoiding open flames and to hire professional ice-removal services during the prolonged cold snap across the Northeast.