‘Forged in Fire’ Becomes ‘Destroyed by Fire’ as Amateur Bladesmith Torches Neighborhood

John Gomes, 51, accidently burned down three buildings and damaged at least two dozen others while trying to forge a medieval weapon in his back yard. Handout photo

A man pretending to be a medieval blacksmith started a multiple-alarm fire in upstate New York, which damaged or destroyed 32 buildings.

John A. Gomes, 51, of Cohoes, New York, was trying to forge a medieval weapon using a fire he started in a barrel in a lot near his home at 228 Remsen St., Gomes. he was imitating a History Channel television series “Forged in Fire” where contestants make swords, spears, and axes out of random metal, sometimes using open, coal-fired forges.