Clutter in house hampers firefighters

The blaze caused $55,000 damage to a two-story wood frame house at 1858 Saint Paul Street. It took two hours to extinguish the flames after the fire was reported about 9:30 a.m. Fire officials say the blaze started in the basement where stacks of wood and newspaper were stored. The material also filled much of the first floor. The cause of the fire is under investigation. No one was home. No injuries were reported.