BY MATT HERSH

A Salem home on Barron Avenue sustained heavy damage on Thursday, Feb. 2, after a fire started due to an improperly installed wood stove.

Deputy Fire Chief Michael Wallace said the wood stove was not equipped with the correct ventilation materials, causing heat to build up and start the blaze around 5:40 p.m.

Fire officials from Salem and Methuen, Mass. had the fire under control within 40 minutes, Wallace said.

Upon arrival at the home, firefighters were confronted with heavy smoke coming out of the side door, chimney and basement.

Wallace said the fire started on the first floor where the wood stove was located, spread into the walls, and traveled downward into the basement.

The first floor of the home sustained moderate damage but the basement, where the fire mostly raged, was destroyed, Wallace said.

Additionally, one side of the home was damaged because firefighters had to tear down walls to reach the basement.

The home was inhabited by James Boyer, his fiance, and his grandson, Wallace said.

Boyer and his family members were not at home during the fire and no one was injured.

Wallace said the house will be uninhabitable for an undetermined amount of time.

Boyer could not be reached for comment.