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In a surprising turn of events, a homeowner in Massachusetts unintentionally set his house ablaze while attempting to clear ice buildup during an intense winter freeze that has left countless Americans exasperated.
The incident occurred in Milton, Massachusetts, when the homeowner employed a blowtorch to remove ice from his roof, according to Milton Fire Deputy Chief John Earner. The flames quickly advanced into the attic, transforming what initially seemed like a small incident into a significant blaze.
Onlookers reported that the fire became severe in no time.
“He comes down, and suddenly we notice flames right in the gutter,” a neighbor recounted to WCVB-TV. “Before we knew it, smoke was engulfing the place, and it seemed like the entire roof was on fire.”
Meanwhile, snow-laden cars serve as a stark reminder of the severe storm that hit Boston on January 26, 2026. (Scott Eisen/Getty Images)
Firefighters initially believed the blaze would be minor.
“We pulled the gutter off that side of the building thinking it was going to be a light fire, and the whole attic was fully involved,” Earner said.
A couple dig out their driveway and walkway following a winter storm that dumped more than a foot and a half of snow across the region, Tuesday, Jan. 27, 2026, in Haverhill, Mass. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
Crews battled the flames for hours while also dealing with freezing temperatures. Earner said firefighters in Milton, located about nine miles south of Boston, called in assistance from neighboring towns due to the extreme cold.
No one was injured in the fire, but neighbors said the incident serves as a warning as homeowners across the region struggle with snow and ice after days of harsh weather.
Residents dig out their cars in the South Boston neighborhood following a winter storm that dumped more than a foot of snow across the region, Monday, Jan. 26, 2026, in Boston. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
Officials noted that ice buildup from severe winter weather can be dangerous to remove without professional help.
“Just get a professional company to take care of your ice,” Earner said. “Don’t get hurt. Don’t go up on your roofs.”