News

Grove Street fire in Williamsport ruled undetermined

The fire that displaced a city family of four following an explosive fire last week in their Grove Street garage will remain undetermined, according to city fire Platoon Chief and investigator Kevin Hurne.

However, there is nothing suspicious about the fire, which was believed to be accidental, he said.

The fire at the home of Jaron and Irenes Bartholomew at 1508 Grove St. erupted in the couple's garage and sparked two or three explosions just before 6 a.m. on July 8.

The fire spread to the attached home, but Irenes and the couple's two children, the only ones in the house at the time of the fire, safely escaped the property thanks to neighbors who alerted them. Her husband was already at work.

There were a number of carbon dioxide cylinders in the garage that Jaron used as part of a paintball business, Herne explained.

At least one 20-pound carbon dioxide cylinder exploded. It broke apart and landed across the street, Hurne explained.

There was a fire before the explosions, he added.

The Bartholomews, who will be displaced for an extended period of time, had fire insurance, Hurne said. They are staying with family.

Damage was close to $100,000 since the garage was a total loss, and the second floor of the home sustained heavy heat and fire damage.