HAMLIN—A minor fire was reported Thursday at Jack Williams Tire and Auto Service Center in Hamlin.

Hamlin Fire and Rescue, along with additional area fire departments, responded to the commercial fire alarm around 4:30 a.m. Dave Elias, Hamlin’s First Assistant Chief, says the fire and resulting smoke were caused by a malfunctioning waste oil burner in the building.
“We have a couple of big drums in the back that we put waste oil in and recycle it for use to heat the building,” said Christina Post, Hamlin’s manager.

Scott Williams, President of Jack Williams, says there was, “hardly any damage at all — a little soot inside the building. There was just a flash, some flames shot out of the top of the burner, some smoke and that was it.”

Since they could see there was no fire extension, and just smoke, Asst. Chief Elias says they waited for the keyholder to show up, saving them from breaking the door down. “We don’t like to do too much damage if we don’t have to,” he said. Once inside, they killed the power to the waste oil burner. Elias says at least 20 area fire personnel responded, remaining on scene for about an hour and a half, to ensure all was well.

Williams say they were able to open on time at 7 a.m. with no interruption in service.
Post thanked the fire departments for their quick, professional response. “They were absolutely wonderful,” she said. Along with Hamlin Fire and Rescue, the following fire departments responded: Elmhurst, Greene Dreher, Honesdale, Ledgedale, Madisonville, and Maplewood.

Tea-pot fire
Honesdale Fire Department was called to an automatic alarm at the Briarwood Apartments on Church Street in Honesdale, Wednesday.

“A resident in a basement apartment fell asleep with a teapot on the stove, with a plastic strainer on top of the teapot,” said Honesdale Fire Chief Stan Pratt. The strainer melted, running down onto the burner, filling the apartment with smoke and tripping the building’s alarm system.
Most of the residents evacuated to the street, with everyone able to return about 15 minutes later, Chief Pratt said. He says the fire was contained to the burner and “didn’t go anyplace.”

No injuries were reported.