Fire may be caused by thawing pipes

WESTPORT, Conn. (WTNH) -- A fire broke out at a 2 story detached garage that may have been caused after pipes were being thawed.

Around 5:15 p.m. Wesport received the call of a structure fire on Bayberry Lane. The occupant reported the fire as possibly out but when officials were en route the occupant said the flames were visible again, according to authorities.

Upon arrival, responders saw smoke coming from the 1st floor corner wall area of the detached garage.

Firefighters used hand tools to open up the wall and extinguished the fire.

The occupant told fire department personnel that he was thawing pipes prior to the fire. According to police, he exited the garage and when he returned he saw smoke coming from the wall and called 911.

The cause of the fire is under investigation.

Officials advise residents not to use a direct heat source such as an open flame or torch when thawing pipes.