Bees nests keep fire from consuming house

Bees nests, normally a nuisance, apparently saved a Conneaut house from a devastating fire late on Tuesday night, firefighters said.

Firefighters sent to 249 Grifton Ave., said two large nests found inside a wall of the house plugged cavities between studs, preventing flames from spreading.

Members of the Joseph Cevera family called firefighters shortly before 9 p.m., when smoke began curling from behind a fireplace mantel and an attached mirror above the mantel, according to a report. Firefighters removed the mantel and tore apart portions of the wall to reach the fire burning inside recesses.

The insects’ nests were found inside the wall, firefighters said. The nests were so large they filled the spaces between boards and kept the fire from spreading to the ceiling and other walls.

A fire report did not indicate whether any of the bees remained in the nest or were buzzing about.

Firefighters said the occupants had been using the fireplace as a primary heat source during a recent power outage. The family was able to evacuate the house safely, and no injuries were reported.