Fire damages garage in Jim Thorpe

The first floor of a garage to the rear of 88 North Ave. in Jim Thorpe was heavily damaged in a Thursday afternoon fire, according to first responders.

Jim Thorpe Fire Chief Vince Yaich said crews were called to the scene around 1:15 p.m., when flames were already pouring out of the window and main garage door.

“It was accidental,” Yaich said Thursday night.

“The owner went down in the morning and built a wood fire, something he’s done many times over the years. Later, he noticed smoke and looked in at the stove and there were flames right around the stove.”

The resident got a bucket of water to try to put out the flames, but by the time he made a subsequent trip to get water, the fire had expanded.

“There was heavy damage on the first floor, while a wood shop on the second floor sustained smoke and water damage.”

Yaich said the fire was under control within 45 minutes and crews spent another half-hour checking for and mopping up hot spots.

Lehighton and Nesquehoning fire departments assisted on the scene.