×

Energized gutter blamed for Fredonia fire

OBSERVER Photo Chautauqua County sheriff’s deputies confirmed Monday that a gutter was blown off, due to high winds, and landed on a nearby transformer, causing the fire at Family Church.

OBSERVER Staff Report

A loose gutter led to the clock tower fire at the Family Church of Fredonia.

Chautauqua County sheriff’s deputies confirmed Monday afternoon what investigators believed on Friday evening led to the fire at the Family Church of Fredonia.

Witnesses advised investigators that part of the copper gutter was blown off, due to high winds, and landed on a nearby transformer. This was confirmed with assistance of National Grid and the inspection of the gutter.

When the gutter came in contact with the transformer, the entire gutter system became energized. Once energized, the electricity (positively charged) will search out a path to ground (negatively charged). In this case, the charge was found to enter the church via the soffit, which was at the base of the bell tower. The soffit is believed to have smoldered for a while, before igniting. The majority of the fire was contained to the bell tower.

The fire has been ruled accidental.

In the meantime, the church is thanking and asking the community for its support in restoring the tower. It has set up a Go Fund me page at this address: https://gofundme.com/fredonia-clocktower.

Newsletter

Today's breaking news and more in your inbox

I'm interested in (please check all that apply)
Are you a paying subscriber to the newspaper? *
   

Starting at $4.62/week.

Subscribe Today