Quick response by volunteer fire fighters helps save home of Kent Ewell

A load of O'Lacy's bar towels were a total loss in a dryer fire this morning at the home of Kent Ewell, owner of the popular pub and restaurant on School Street in Batavia.

The quick response of Town of Batavia volunteer fire fighters is being credited with keeping the fire contained to the dryer with minimal smoke and water damage to the residence at 8215 Batavia-Stafford Townline Road.

The home is on the Stafford side of the border, but Batavia was actually dispatched first. Batavia also has a closer station, so Assistant Chief Dan Coffey (also a Batavia police officer) was first on scene.

He rapidly determined from Ewell the probable location of the fire. Crews swiftly connected to a nearby hydrant and ran a line through the front door, downstairs to the laundry room and extinguished the fire just as it began to lap the wall.

"It was a very quick knock down and a quick response that saved this house today," Coffey said.

Chuck Hammon, 3rd assistant chief for Stafford, said the cause of the fire was likely a worn belt on the dryer.

It's a common problem, he said.

"I don't know why they make some of these dryers with the belt next to the exhaust," Hammon said. The exhaust heat, he said, can cause the belts to wear faster and become a fire hazard.

Hammon also credited Batavia volunteer firefighters for its speedy response in preventing the fire from spreading.

Ewell said he usually starts his work day early and then comes home mid-morning, but the times vary day-to-day. He said he felt fortunate to come home when he did and make the 9-1-1 call. The house was full of smoke and the fire detectors were sounding when he opened his door, he said.

Top Picture: Hammon points to belt area of dryer, explaining how he believed the fire started. Bottom: The scene at Ewell's home after the fire was extinguished.

Audio:

• Kent Ewell
• Dan Coffey

Initial Report:

A house at 8215 Batavia-Stafford Townline Road is reportedly full of smoke. Firefighters from Stafford and Town of Batavia are responding.

First responder has confirmed it is a house fire.

(not posting map because Google map is not marking the address accurately)

UPDATE: On scene, with no smoke or fire visible. Byron and Bergen fire crews have been asked to stand down, only Stafford and the Town of Batavia fire crews remaining now.