BY MATT LINDSEY
North Country This Week

PARISHVILLE -- As the homeowner of 49 Catherine Street let her dogs out to use the bathroom Thursday, she noticed her garage was on fire.

The structure is still standing because firefighters were on scene within minutes, because the fire station is very close-by, according to Chief Ed Cool.

Parishville Fire received the call at 11:39 a.m. and were on at 11:42 a.m.

Chief Cool said a few guys were shooting the breeze at the department after returning from a rescue call, so the timing was as good as it could be for a bad situation.

The blaze has been listed as accidental. Cool said the fire is believed to have been caused by a faulty battery that possibly overheated. The charger was used for power tools.

Although quick on scene, the damage resulted in the loss of a snowblower, tools and other items inside the garage, the chief said.

There is smoke, water and fire damage to the structure and contents.

Cool said the residence is owned by the Darrah family and the garage was insured.

Mutual aid was provided by Hopkinton-Fort Jackson and Potsdam fire departments.

No injuries were reported.