Fire guts residence in Ferry
By KIM NORTH, Times Leader Staff WriterArticle Photos
A WEDNESDAY morning fire gutted a Martins Ferry home and gray smoke covered the city's hillside.
The blaze, which destroyed the Palmer residence at 650 Cemetery Rd., was reported at approximately 10 a.m., according to Martins Ferry Fire Chief #2 Jack Regis Jr.
"The first responding units reported heavy smoke and flames coming from the front of the structure," Regis explained as firefighters continued to douse the house with water.
"We were a little worried about the gas and electric lines," he added. "You can see where some of the insulation was burned off the electric lines above the house."
Workers from Columbia Gas Co. and American Electric Power were summoned to cut off both utilities to the structure.
A cause has yet to be determined, but Regis did say that the fire most likely started in the front section of the two-story home.
"We had a lot of damage to the front porch, living room and a back bedroom," he said.
Neighbors, many of whom stood and watched as fire crews battled the blaze in chilly conditions, reported that the elderly resident of the home's vehicle was not there when the fire started. However, he reportedly showed up and then quickly left again.
Firefighters used a chain saw to cut holes in the roof of the house to aid in ventilation.
Responding were the Alert Fire Company Engine 1, Martins Ferry Engine 1, two emergency squads and the Martins Ferry Police Department. The Salvation Army's Disaster Services was also on hand to aid the firefighters.
Regis reported that no one was injured in the fire - the resident or firefighters.
"I'm proud of the job our guys did," Regis added. "The conditions weren't the best, but they battled through them."
He said the Ohio State Fire Marshal was due in town some time today to view the scene.
North can be reached at knorth@timesleaderonline.com
