A Norway home was damaged Tuesday afternoon after homeowners tried thawing frozen pipes.
The Norway Fire Department responded to “heavy fire conditions” at the Everett Drive home at approximately 3:49 p.m. Tuesday, according to Maine Department of Public Safety spokesperson Shannon Moss. No injuries were reported.
The fire marshal’s office determined the blaze was caused by heaters and electrical tape being used to thaw frozen pipes. The fire has been ruled accidental, Moss said.
The owners were just returning home as the fire began, Moss said.
The fire marshal’s office cautioned residents about the dangers of thawing frozen pipes. Owners should not use open flames — like torches or heat guns — to thaw pipes, and portable heaters should be kept at least three feet away from anything combustible and should never be left unattended, Moss said.