Accident Eyed in Fire at Vacant Home

A home on Rutland Road that was vacant and under renovations, caught fire and had rescue workers battling the blaze for nearly 30 minutes. An accident caused by one of the construction workers is being eyes as the cause.

The fire occurred at around 6:45pm on Rutland Road between Kingston and Albany Avenues. Neighbors began smelling smoke coming from the vacant home and immediately called 911.

Firefighters responded and had all visible flames out within minutes, but upon ‘secondary searches’ – making sure the fire was out – they discovered burning embers in the rear of the house. The duration of the fire was listed at around 30 minutes.

The fire battalion chief said that the cause of the fire appeared to be accidental.

There was no reported injuries.

According to property records the home was purchased in December of 2012 by a Lubavitcher Family. They will be the first Jewish family moving onto the block.