The Franklin News-Post
P. O. Box 250
310 Main Street, SW
Rocky Mount, Virginia 24151
540-483-5113
Fax: 540-483-8013
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Courtesy Photo:
Firefighters use a bulldozer to remove hay from underneath the remnants of a barn, which was destroyed by fire Saturday afternoon. The fire apparently started from the spontaneous combustion of the hay. |
Wednesday, June 4, 2008
By K.A. WAGONER - Staff Writer
Fires gutted a house near Rocky Mount and destroyed a barn in Callaway over the weekend.
No one was injured when fire gutted a house on Hopkins Road in Rocky Mount Saturday night.
The homeowner, Gracie Cundiff, was visiting her daughter at the time of the incident, according to Franklin County Fire Marshal Bennie Russell. Cundiff, 78, lives alone.
Neighbors reported the fire around 11 p.m. Saturday, Russell said.
The house was fully involved when firefighters arrived a few minutes later, he added.
Volunteers from Rocky Mount and Ferrum fire departments had the fire under control within 45 minutes, Russell said. Volunteers with Franklin County Rescue Squad also responded.
Damage to the one-story, wood frame structure is estimated at $70,000, Russell said. The house was insured.
Witness accounts state the fire started in the rear of the structure, but the origin has not been determined, the fire marshal said. The incident in under investigation by the Franklin County Department of Public Safety.
A fire earlier in the afternoon Saturday destroyed a barn, belonging to Galen Bowman, on Old Forge Road in Callaway, Russell said.
A neighbor reported the fire around 3:50 p.m., Russell said. The family was out of town.
When firefighters arrived at 4 p.m., the barn had already burned to the ground, he said.
Investigators believe the fire started from the spontaneous combustion of the hay, Russell said.
"When hay is baled green or with too much moisture, heat builds up inside and starts to burn," he explained. "It's a common occurrence."
The barn contained farm equipment, as well as freshly-baled hay. Damage to the structure and its contents is estimated at $50,000, Russell said. The barn and equipment were insured.
Volunteers from Callaway, Ferrum and Rocky Mount fire departments responded to the scene, along with the Franklin County Rescue Squad. |
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