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Man injured as fire burns down garage

SUMMIT TWP — A 21-year-old man working on a motorcycle suffered minor burns Saturday afternoon when fire broke out in a garage at his family’s home, authorities said.

The 25-by-25-foot detached garage at 110 Barleyfield Lane went up in flames, destroying a restored 1970s Chevy, an all-terrain vehicle, a lawn tractor, tools and the motorcycle that apparently started the blaze.

Damage was estimated at $70,000 to the garage and contents. The house also had $5,000 in heat damage, according to emergency officials.

The property, owned by Mark and Aimee Fritz, is insured.

The couple’s 21-year-old son was in the garage with two others working on a fuel problem with the cycle about 5:20 p.m. when they started up the bike, firefighters said.

“The motorcycle backfired, shooting out flames, and lit a gas can on fire,” said Rob Shuler, assistant fire chief for the Herman Volunteer Fire Company.

An East Butler Ambulance crew treated the Fritzes’ injured son at the scene for burns to his hands, but he apparently did not require hospital treatment.

Among the $50,000 in ruined contents was a refurbished 1970s Chevrolet Monte Carlo.

Assisting the Herman department were firefighters from East Butler, Lick Hill and Saxonburg.

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