Fighters battle blaze

By MARGIE TRAX PAGE - Staff Writer - mtrax@starbeacon.com
Star Beacon

May 05, 2008 11:36 pm

— ASHTABULA — Heavy smoke billowing from the attic, and first- and second-story windows of a West 36th Street home, greeted city firefighters Monday as they arrived on the scene.
Neighbors from across the street called firefighters at 4:52 p.m. to the blue house at 509 W. 56th St., off of Station Avenue.
“The fire started in the back of the house, upstairs,” said neighbor Rebecca Meaney. “It was a rental home, but it had been empty for about six months.”
No one was injured in the blaze.
Neighbors took advantage of the clear, sunny day to watch the firefighters stretch a water hose inside the front door, where they encountered lots of smoke. More firefighters arrived on the ladder truck and searched the second floor of the house.
Chief Ron Pristera came on the scene about two minutes later and assumed command. The fire was brought under control at 5:26 p.m., with firefighters spraying water hoses on the first and second floors of the structure.
Engine 72 from Ashtabula Township assisted city firefighters in extinguishing the blaze. A third city fire truck pulled up at 5:22 p.m. to help with overhaul and clean up. A total of 13 firefighters worked at the site.

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