MILTON, MASS. (WHDH) - A home in Milton went up in flames Friday when the homeowner said he was using a blowtorch to clear ice from the roof.
Sky 7 HD flew over the home on Craig Street shortly after 4 p.m., showing thick smoke billowing out of the roof.
The homeowner told 7NEWS he was up on a ladder trying to melt ice in his gutter when the fire started. He said he was able to get down from the ladder once the flames broke out and get back inside to call 911. He said his wife as also inside the home at the time but was able to get out safely.
Milton fire officials said the blaze began in the attic and quickly spread to several other sections of the home.
“I got home around 3:30 p.m. and within 20 minutes fire trucks were pulling onto my street,” said Alex Barber, who lives across the street. “It’s like it consumed the whole roof in like five minutes. It was incredibly fast.”
Milton firefighters said the icy conditions made the fire difficult to put out.
“The house was very stubborn, very difficult fire to fight,” said Milton Fire Lieutenant John Earner. “That’s why all the mutual aid guys come in to help. When it’s cold like this, you need a lot of help so we did have a lot of outside talents come and help us.”
Earner said this should be a lesson for anyone battling extreme cold to leave taking care of ice buildup to the professionals.
“Just get a reversal company to get the ice down,” he said. “I mean, don’t get hurt. Don’t go up on your roofs, you can have a professional plumber come and take care of your arsenals.”
The fire has since been put out; no one was hurt.
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