Cumberland Times-News

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August 29, 2011

Heat gun cause of Swanton fire

Garrett County fire ruled accidental

SWANTON — An accidental fire that destroyed a Swanton Hill Road residence Sunday was caused by a heat gun that ignited combustibles, according to the Maryland State Fire Marshal’s Office.

The 3:26 p.m. fire at the residence of Kevin Lipscomb caused a loss estimated at $25,000 to the two-story wood frame and $20,000 loss to its contents.

The owner of the property was not immediately determined.

Deputy fire marshal Mike Mattingly determined the fire originated in the kitchen and was caused by a heat gun that was being utilized in a plumbing project. The device reportedly ignited woodwork when it was left lying near a wall.

An estimated 40 volunteer firefighters responded and took 20 minutes to control the fire. The blaze was reported to the Garrett County 911 emergency center by a passerby who discovered the fire at 3368 Swanton Hill Road.

Deer Park, Oakland, Kitzmiller and Bloomington volunteer fire companies were on the scene for about 2 1/2 hours. No injuries were reported.

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