A husband and wife died in a house fire in Allen County on Monday.
Bruce and Martha Hammerson died after a fire broke out at their home on Turkey Foot Lane early Monday morning, November 2.
Scottsville Fire Department Lt. Jeff Young said crews were dispatched shortly before 3 a.m. When firefighters arrived, the two-story wooden home was already heavily engulfed in flames.
Firefighters conducted a 360-degree assessment of the property and found vehicles inside the home’s basement. Crews entered the basement to search for the occupants but were unable to reach the main floor because of the intensity of the fire.
Firefighters were unable to enter the upper portions of the home until the flames were brought under control.
Young said the fire was already well advanced when neighbors noticed it and called for help. Investigators have not determined how long the home had been burning before crews arrived.
According to Young, both victims were found near the top of a stairwell inside the home. He said the house had one stairwell connecting the main level to the upstairs, and the fire had destroyed it.
Young said it appeared the couple may have been unable to escape, though the circumstances surrounding their deaths remain under investigation.
Firefighters got much of the fire under control within 45 minutes, but the damage to the home complicated their search.
Young said crews used multiple ladders inside the home to get over stairwells and reach areas of the home.
Despite the damage to the upper levels, Young said firefighters were able to save vehicles and portions of the basement.
Young said the fire is a reminder for families to have an escape plan during an emergency.
He said always have more than one way out of any room or any level. Whether that means an additional stairwell or a rope ladder or a means of egress. Also, make sure you have working smoke detectors.
The cause of the fire has not been determined, and the investigation is ongoing. No foul play is currently suspected.
Authorities also reported the couple had several pets in the home, but none were located during searches of the property.
Source: WBKO
You must be logged in to post a comment.