By Abigail Roberts
A family’s worst nightmare came to life last night as their house went up in flames, but firefighters worked hard to save what they could, including the family’s Christmas presents and pets.
The homeowners, Mike and Samantha Terry, were not home at the time, according to Crab Orchard Fire Chief Larry Owsley. The fire was discovered by one of the city’s firefighters who was traveling by the residence.
The home suffered heavy damage to the rear, the attic area of the house and the second floor.
“We did manage to save two cats and their Christmas presents, as well as some other animals including turtles,” Owsley said. “There were no injuries to residents or firefighters.”
Owsley said early investigation indicates the cause was possibly a vent fan in the wall that may have experienced an electrical short that caused the fire.
“It appears that it may have been burning a while before anyone noticed it,” he said.
Crab Orchard Fire was assisted by the Stanford Fire Department, the Lincoln County Fire Department and Lincoln County EMS.
