ljameson@lockhaven.com

AVIS — A dozen fire departments from Clinton and Lycoming counties were called to a structure fire at the corner of East Highland and Washington streets early Friday morning.

The fire, caused by a kerosene heater, started at approximately 6 a.m. in the garage located at 101 E. Highland St., owned by Paul Corson, state police Fire Marshal Corporal Nicholas Loffredo said.

“At this point in time it is believed to be accidental,” he continued.

LAURA JAMESON/THE EXPRESS Fire fighters sift through the wreckage of the home Friday morning.

Corson, who lives alone, suffered minor facial burns and smoke inhalation and was taken to Geisinger Jersey Shore Hospital for treatment, he said.

Corson’s neighbor, Richard Fye, said he heard a loud bang before the fire started.

“It woke me up,” he said.

Fye said he spoke with Corson who told him he’d been getting more kerosene from a nearby shed to fill the heater when the fire began.

“By the time he got back it had exploded,” he said.

Fye expressed his sadness for the situation his neighbor is in, saying he was always a kind person offering a helping hand whenever needed.

“He’s a wonderful man, a wonderful neighbor,” he said.

An investigation into the fire is ongoing, Loffredo said.

Twelve fire departments responded to the blaze including Avis, Lock Haven, Castanea, Jersey Shore Independent Hose and Citizen’s Hose, Woolrich, Wayne Township, Dunnstown, Antes Fort, Woodward Township-Lycoming, and Waterville along with Jersey Shore EMS.

Sections of Brady and Washington streets from East Highland to Central Avenue were closed to a majority of traffic in the morning as fire crews cleaned up the site and ensured the flames were extinguished.