Attempt to thaw pipes lights building on fire

New Hampshire homeowner uses torch to defrost pipes in minus 20 temperatures, apartment complex catches fire

Published January 24, 2011 11:31PM (EST)

Steam rises from chimneys on Monday, Jan. 24, 2011 in Montpelier, Vt. Bone-chilling cold has prompted schools around the Northeast to delay openings and some canceled classes altogether on Monday. (AP Photo/Toby Talbot)  (AP)
Steam rises from chimneys on Monday, Jan. 24, 2011 in Montpelier, Vt. Bone-chilling cold has prompted schools around the Northeast to delay openings and some canceled classes altogether on Monday. (AP Photo/Toby Talbot) (AP)

In Lebanon, N.H., a homeowner thawing frozen pipes with a torch in the basement set an 11-unit apartment building on fire. It was minus 20 Monday morning when the torch set the fire, which spread quickly. No injuries were reported, but several pets were missing.

Four apartments were severely damaged, two suffered moderate damage, and the remainder of the units had only smoke and water damage.  

Read more about New England's freezing temperatures

 


By John Curran

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