Flames ripped through a Town of Clarence home this morning, causing $500,000 in damages to the building and its contents.
The house at 4694 Sawmill Road, which is owned by musical entertainer John Valby, was engulfed in flames when Clarence firefighters arrived on the scene about 9:30 a.m.
Valby is known throughout Western New York and nationally as "Dr. Dirty," for his off-color jingles and musical performances.
Occupants of the home were able to get out and report the fire in the house.
About half the house was ablaze as firefighters arrived on scene. They tried to attack the fire by going inside the home, but heavy fire and smoke forced firefighters to douse the intense flames from the outside.
It took about two hours to get the fire under control, and firefighters stayed at the scene longer for salvage operations.
The Erie County Sheriff's Office was investigating the cause of the blaze.
Clarence Fire Co. was assisted by four other area volunteer agencies.
