Lewis County home a total loss following Sunday evening blaze near Watson, Lowville Fire Chief says

WATSON- An electrical malfunction is being blamed for sparking a blaze Sunday evening that destroyed a Lewis County home, according to emergency responders.

It was shortly after 6:30 p.m. when 9-1-1 dispatchers received a call for help at 7275 North Chases Lake Road, town of Watson.

Lowville Fire Department was the primary responder.

Chief Joe Austin says a witness, who called in the fire, joined the first wave of firefighters in rescuing three dogs from the home.

Unfortunately as of this report, Chief Austin says one of the dogs took off into the woods and has yet to be found.

The owner, Michael Gudgridge, was not home when the fire first broke out, but arrived to the scene and confirmed no one else was inside.

However with that being said, Gudgridge did tell firefighters there were four dogs inside the home. Firefighters eventually found the fourth dog, deceased, once the fire had been knocked down.

Chief Austin says an electrical malfunction within the fuse box is what sparked this blaze. There were no human injuries reported.

3-G and New Bremen Fire Departments all provided mutual aid.          

Emergency responders say it took about an hour to douse the blaze with another hour dedicated to extensive overhaul to ensure any and all hot spots were extinguished. 

Lewis County Sheriff's Office, Search & Rescue, Cause & Origin Team and Lowville Auxiliary all assisted. 

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