GARAGE EXPLODES

By SHELLEY TERRY - Staff Writer - sterry@starbeacon.com
Star Beacon

January 06, 2009 12:00 am

— MORGAN TOWNSHIP — A garage caught fire and exploded Monday night on Riverdale Road, drawing four fire departments and rescue crews to the scene.
Morgan Township firefighters received a call at 8:20 p.m. of a structure fire at 3349 Riverdale Road, according to dispatcher reports.
When firefighters arrived, they discovered a garage-style barn engulfed in flames and then it exploded, according to dispatcher and firefighters’ reports.
No injuries were reported.
Fire departments from Austinburg, Rome and Trumbull townships were called to assist in battling the blaze and heavy smoke. An ambulance stood by as firefighters dealt with ice and slippery conditions in 19-degree weather.
Morgan Township Fire Chief Vern Goodge said he didn’t know what caused the explosion but he planned on being there for some time.
“I’ll look at it tonight and take the day off work tomorrow to look at it,” he said. “I have to talk to the homeowner some more. She’s pretty upset.”
According to the Ashtabula County Auditor’s Web site, William G. Wickert owns the property.
The Ohio Highway Patrol and Ashtabula County Sheriff’s Department stayed on site to help block traffic on Riverdale Road from the Riverdale Road Covered Bridge to Route 45.

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