Fire damages vacant home
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MARTINS FERRY -- A suspected gas line explosion and fire at a vacant house prompted a response from two fire departments Thursday afternoon.
No one was injured in the incident, according to officials at the scene. Neighbors were evacuated as four fire engines, one ladder truck and two emergency squads from the Martins Ferry and Bridgeport volunteer fire departments arrived at the scene at about 3:20 p.m.
Martins Ferry Chief Mike Cooper said he was amazed that the explosion did not break a single window in the house, even though there was extensive damage to the structure. Cooper added he was very happy the two adjacent houses were not damaged.
Heavy smoke poured from the home, and flames briefly shot from the upper-level windows. Debris on the ground apparently marked the area where the explosion had occurred.
Logan Kinney, 21, and his two roommates had just moved out the three-bedroom rental house at 712 Seabrights Lane earlier this week. He said he was working at Natalie's Pizzeria in Brilliant when a friend called to let him know his former residence was on fire. Kinney was extremely relieved that no one was injured, especially his former neighbors.
The fire rekindled shortly before 5 p.m., bringing firefighters back out into the rain to control the flames. Hot spots reignited a second time around 7 p.m., but a dispatcher said the flames did not get out of control.
According to Mayor Robert Krajnyak, an emergency demolition of the structure will be necessary. Damage to the basement, where the explosion occurred, left the house unsupported at its foundation.