Family escapes fire; man arrested in fracas

by Ray Pauley and staff reports
Grand Island Dispatch, June 8, 2007

The residence at 216 River Oaks Drive is engulfed in flames in this photo taken early last Friday morning, June 1. (photo by A.J. Beyer)

A Grand Island man faces charges of obstructing firefighters, disorderly conduct and resisting arrest, following an explosion and fire his family escaped from, but which left $400,000 damage to his home last Friday.

Alan Murzynowski, 44, is to appear in Grand Island Town Court at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, June 20, on charges in connection with a fight that ensued while firefighters battled flames at his home, 216 River Oaks Drive, at 2:46 a.m. last Friday.

The Murzynowski family reportedly escaped to safety after being awakened by their barking dog, as well as smoke detectors. The fire apparently started when a portable fire pit set the rear deck on fire, and then spread, fed by propane that had been released from the safety valve of a nearby propane tank.

Homeowner Charged

According to fire officials and sheriff’s deputies, Alan Murzynowski fled from the house, then tried to return. Deputies said he failed to comply with repeated requests by firefighters and police officers. Officials on the scene said they struggled with him, a fight ensued and he was subdued. Two deputies suffered injuries in the struggle to subdue the homeowner, according to police reports. The charges lodged against Murzynowski include disorderly conduct, second-degree obstructing governmental administration and resisting arrest. He was taken to the Erie County Holding Center, where he was held without bail.

Fire Chief Greg Butcher reported that despite the fact that Grand Island Fire Company units arrived on location within 3 minutes, the fire had “a considerable head start” and had already broken into the interior from a rear deck, where it apparently originated. Engines 3, 4 and 5, Ladder 6 and two rescue vehicles responded directly to the scene, and fire suppression was initiated.

Mutual aid contingents from the City of Tonawanda, Brighton, Kenmore and Sheridan Park volunteer fire departments provided additional support due to excessive equipment and manpower demands. During firefighting operations, a Sheridan Park firefighter was slightly injured by falling debris, but did not require hospitalization, Butcher noted

A portable fire pit is believed to have ignited the deck area, which quickly spread upward and into the structure itself. The resulting working fire was brought under control at 4:06 a.m., and damage was estimated at a total of $400,000 to the building and its contents.

A neighborhood resident complimented the firefighters for their “quick response and terrific job” as professionals under very difficult circumstances.

All participating fire units were returned in service by 6:11 a.m.