The Peru Gazette

By John T Ryan

March 1, 2024, Peru – Dan and Pam Ballantine are giving thanks today. An early morning fire destroyed their garage and adjoining workshop and damaged the exterior of their 18 Mannix Road home. However, thankfully, local firefighters saved their nearby house. Pam Ballantine eloquently expressed her sentiments on Facebook, “Thanking our God that no one was hurt. Words can’t describe the greatest appreciation to Peru, Keeseville, AuSable, Morrisonville, South Plattsburgh, Cumberland Head, and District 3, who worked together to save our home. The garage and Dan’s shop are total losses, and the house sustained some melted siding and broken windows from the heat. We can safely live in our house. Thank you all who have called and offered prayers and assistance. We love you all.”

Pam, Dan, and Pam’s mom, Mrs. Helen Turner, were asleep at 3:30 a.m. Dan said, “Pam asked me if I heard something popping. I said, no, but I’ll get up and check. I looked out the back window and could see smoke. Then I looked up and saw flames shooting up. from the garage.” The popping sound probably came from an exploding paint can in Ballantine’s workshop. Reacting quickly, Pam ensured her mom was safe and backed the couple’s two vehicles parked in front of the garage. The fire’s cause is under investigation.

The workshop was always an important part of Dan Ballantine’s life. A retired U.S. Air Force Master Sergeant, Dan’s been an avid woodworker for many years. Four years ago, deteriorating vision forced him to stop driving; hence, woodworking became an even more critical part of his daily life. Just yesterday, he completed a set of bookends for a family member. The fire destroyed those bookends, Dan’s many tools, and other things he had crafted.