West Side fire does $100,000 damage

YOUNGSTOWN — The state fire marshal is investigating a fire that caused more than $100,000 damage to a West Side residence.

The preliminary damage estimate in the 12:30 a.m. Wednesday blaze was $70,000 to the house at 512 Ashley Ave. and $30,000 to its contents, said Fire Battalion Chief Timothy McGarry, adding that the $100,000 figure was almost certain to rise.

The owners and occupants of the house are Robert Edwards, a retired city police detective, and his wife, Sharon.

Among the items lost were a car, three motorcycles, a hot tub room that was added to the back of the house, tools in the garage and an out building with a lawn tractor in it.

McGarry referred all other questions as to the fire’s origin and circumstances to the state fire marshal’s office.