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Bedford fire caused by homeowner using torch to thaw frozen pipes, officials say

E-mail | Print | Comments () Posted by John Ellement February 7, 2011 02:52 PM

By Globe Staff

The fire that killed a Bedford man in his home started because the 69-year-old resident tried to thaw frozen pipes with a torch, which ignited a smoldering fire inside the walls of his home, fire officials said today.

Thomas H. Joy Jr. lived alone in the two-story single family home at 352 North Road, officials said. At some point recently, Joy ran out of heating oil, State Fire Marshal Stephen D. Coan and Bedford Fire Chief David Grunes said in a joint statement.

The lack of fuel led to the freezing of some pipes in Joy’s forced hot water heating system, the officials said. In response, Joy used what officials called a “torch’’ last last week to try and melt the pipes, officials said.

“It is believed the use of the torch caused a smoldering fire that burned undetected inside the basement wall for some time,’’ the officials said.

Joy is the eighth person to die in a fire in Massachusetts this year. His death is the first from a fire in Bedford since 1986, Grunes said.

“This fatal fire is a terrible tragedy for his family and friends and for the community as a whole,’’ Grunes said in a statement. “I want to offer condolences to the family at this difficult time.’’

Coan urged homeowners to make sure they have a functioning smoke detector on each floor of their residence “to give you the earliest possible warning of danger and the most time to escape.”

Coan's office has posted a wide range of tips on how people can "keep warm, keep safe'' this winter.