A Massachusetts man learned a hard lesson about DIY home maintenance last Friday. While trying to clear ice from his roof in Milton, he accidentally set his entire home on fire with a blowtorch. What began as a small attempt to melt gutters quickly turned into a major attic fire.
"We pulled the gutter off... and the whole attic was fully involved," said Milton Fire Deputy Chief John Earner. Firefighters from several neighboring towns were called in to help battle the flames in freezing temperatures. Witnesses watched in shock as smoke began pouring from the Craig Street home just after 4:00 PM.
Fortunately, both the homeowner and his wife were able to escape the residence without injury. Neighbors described the fire as escalating rapidly, with the roof being fully consumed within minutes. Officials noted that icy conditions on the ground further complicated the firefighting efforts for local crews.
This incident serves as a stark warning to millions of Americans currently facing "arctic misery" and massive ice buildup. Deputy Chief Earner strongly advised homeowners to hire professional companies for de-icing rather than climbing onto roofs. "Don’t get hurt. Don’t go up on your roofs," he warned during a press briefing.
Ice dams have become a seasonal hazard this winter, causing widespread damage and interior leaks across New England. While the temptation to clear them manually is high, fire officials maintain that blowtorches are never a safe solution. The Milton home suffered significant damage, though no official estimate has been released.
The Northeast continues to grapple with record-breaking snowfall and freezing temperatures that have lasted for weeks. As the "catastrophic" ice storm continues, local departments are urging residents to prioritize safety over property repairs. For this Milton family, a simple chore has unfortunately resulted in a preventable disaster.