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Garage with tools burns

BUFFALO TWP — A detached garage full of machine shop tools was badly damaged in a fire early this morning.

No one was hurt in the fire on Smith Road but damage was estimated at $130,000, fire officials said.

The state police fire marshal’s office is investigating but the blaze is not considered suspicious, said Chief Matthew Cypher of the Buffalo Township Volunteer Fire Department.

A neighbor called 911 about 3:30 a.m. after seeing flames coming from the garage at 117 Smith Road.

Homeowner Richard Skradski, his wife and their son were sleeping and were unaware of the fire.

“A neighbor pounded on their door and was able to alert them to what was happening,” Cypher said.

Officials said it appeared the fire started in a front corner of the garage, which is equipped with electricity.

Quick action by firefighters kept the garage from being leveled.

“We saved the back half of it,” Cypher said.

The salvaged portion contained an office where Skradski kept personal records and a computer. Firefighters later helped the owner remove the records and computer.

Numerous machines and tools, including a lathe, drills and saws, however, were lost. The equipment was valued at about $100,000.

Damage to the garage was estimated at $30,000. Skradski has insurance on the property.

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