Explosions as fire rips through Clarence home

CLARENCE, N.Y. (WIVB) - Some neighbors in Clarence awoke Wednesday to an explosion that rumbled their homes.

When firefighters and state troopers arrived at the home on Hunting Valley Road in Clarence, they knew they were in for a battle. There were at least two explosions as flames ripped through a garage and then the adjoining house.

Chief Scott Switzer of the Harris Hill Fire Company said, "Upon arrival we found heavy fire in the garage, already compromised the roof and also explosions taking place in the garage, so we had some hazards right off the start."

19-year-old Brandon French didn't think much of it at first when he smelled smoke in his house. He had been having his morning cup of coffee.

"After I opened my closet, there was a giant black cloud that had come out. It rolled right out of it like a fury," recounted French.

Then came two explosions, most likely, says French, from the propane tank in the garage, and motorcycle gas tank that was half full. Report It pictures taken early on by David Akiki, who was driving by, show the fire in full bloom.

"When we came here, the house was fully involved from the garage going up to the second floor. The fire department, they were here pretty quick," said Akiki.

French had gone back into the house to rescue the family cat and a pet turtle. Hours later, he consoled his mother, Shannin Schenk, when the cat they called "Pretty Kitty" died, possibly from smoke inhalation.

"I grew up with my cat. It wasn't really a cat to me, it was more like a human being. It was part of the family. And it hasn't caught up with me yet," sighed French.

His father, Paul Schenk, a veteran technician at Verizon, returned home quickly and talked with Red Cross representatives who offered help.

Neighbor Joe Spinella, who saw the billowing smoke Wednesday morning, had lost his own house a year ago. He offered advice to the family.

"It's a lot of things come at you real quick and you just kinda got to listen to the people who know what they're talking about, get everything in line, get your family ready to go, and move on," said Spinella.

"We're just going to rebuild. Start from square one. See what we can salvage and work our way from there. I mean, that's really all you can do," said French.

Fire investigators do not believe the fire is suspicious. There were gas and electric lines leading into the garage. They are checking everything to try and determine a cause.