What may have caused Lake County house fire
PAINESVILLE TOWNSHIP, Ohio (WJW) — The cause of a house fire in Painesville Township, Lake County, is being classified as “undetermined,” but investigators theorize it was started by gasoline vapors from a motorcycle that was in the home’s family room.
Firefighters were called to the home in the 900 block of Robinhood Drive at about 7 p.m. on Sunday. FOX 8 News video from the scene (in the player above) shows a home destroyed by flames.
Mayor speaks out after Elyria police house raid
Investigators were expected to return to the scene on Monday.
The man may have been working on a Harley Davidson motorcycle kept in the family/utility room, Fire Chief Eric Burchak wrote in a Monday email to FOX 8 News. Investigators suspect gasoline vapors from the motorcycle collected in the room and were ignited by the home’s hot water tank.
A 32-year-old man living there was hospitalized at a burn center “with burn injuries consistent with the vapor ignition theory,” Burchak wrote.
The house is a total loss, Burchak said.
‘Rare’ phenomenon on Lake Erie: Photos
Harold Bever went from neighbor to unsung hero.
Having a background in administering first aid, Bevel told FOX 8 News he brought the victim into his home to help him until first responders arrived.
“He was burned pretty bad on his legs, his feet, his hands,” said Bevel.
Regardless of how the fire started, Bevel said he is grateful this situation didn’t end in a fatality.
His warning to others about this situation: “Be prepared.”
For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Fox 8 Cleveland WJW.
