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Stove explosion rattles already touchy neighborhood

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Almost a year after a massive explosion rocked Kingsbridge west of Broadway, another blast on the same block may have rattled some nerves.

A home on West 234th Street between Corlear and Tibbett avenues experienced a small explosion in the kitchen Aug. 24, according to fire officials. But thankfully no one was hurt.

Fire officials don't know yet what caused the explosion, but suspect it might berelated to a gas leak. It caused minimal damage, leaving most of the house — and the dog left home alone inside — unharmed.

That didn't keep neighbors from worrying, after an explosion last September on the same block would shake residents for months, even if not physically.

Neighbor Liz Guarracino said she was sitting at home when she heard a loud thud. After inspecting her own home, she went outside and turned the corner, finding police entering a house where the explosion occurred.

"We inspected our house, and the house next door, which is being renovated," she said. "They heard the noise, but we couldn't place it. We smelled smoke, but not fire."

The blast was not suspicious, according to fire officials. Last year's explosion was much more sinister, however.

According to police, a marijuana grow house exploded back then, ultimately killing fire battalion chief Michael Fahy, a rising star in the New York Fire Department, according to colleagues.

People living around West 234th are encouraged to check their gas lines, however. They can call ConEdison at (800) 753-6633.

West 234th Street, Liz Guarracino, Michael Fahy,