Charcoal smoker blamed in Schenectady fire

SCHENECTADY — A charcoal smoker burned through a porch and ignited the attic of a James Street home on Thursday.

At 6:32 p.m., Schenectady firefighters received a call that the second floor and attic of 82 and 84 James were on fire, Deputy Chief Michael Gillespie said. It took a half hour to knock down the flames.

Gillespie said the fire was caused by the smoker, which had been used in the last 24 hours. He said the coals stayed warm and heated up a wooden railing that eventually burst into flames. No one was injured.

He said the house can be repaired and is not a total loss.


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