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At 19:59 this evening, Engine 3, Ladder 1 and Car 6 responded to 151 No 3rd Street, a corner mercantile, to investigate a report of a hot wall. Upon arrival, the crew members confirmed a circular burn mark in the back wall of built in metal shelving attached to the interior outside brick wall.
Using the Thermal Imaging Camera firefighters confirmed the high heat source which was only concentrated in an area approximately 2 to 3 inches in diameter. After removing the products the firefighters tested the area for an electrical charge and then used a 'can opener' to pry the metal backing away and dig into the plaster. They revealed a capped gas line.
Working atop product, the crew in the basement found the gas line and followed it to where it elbowed up through the first floor in the area crews were working above. At the elbow, an extension cord, found to power electronics in the basement, was wrapped around the pipe several times before running up a pipe chase to the first floor.
Back on the first floor, a hot wired home made single outlet box was discovered laying on the floor tucked into a corner. One of the eight plugs that the outlet box powered, which was believed to be the one running to the basement, was pulled from the outlet box and the gas line immediately became cool to the touch.
The shop owner was warned of the situation and companies cleared the scene. The incident was reported to electrical.
Rescue 1 was also called to the scene to assist.
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