No one injured as fire destroys Larryville home

LARRYVILLE - Fast responses by neighbors and firefighters combined Friday evening to contain a fire to a 1708 Cement Hollow Road home.

Flames broke out about 6:30 p.m., completely destroying this Piatt Township residential trailer owned by Julie and Harvey "Ben" Fink Jr. Neither of the Finks or their two children were home at the time.

No injuries were reported, although a firefighter was treated for suspected heat exhaustion.

A pair of sisters, Francine Edwards and Julie Hamilton, both of 1927 Cement Hollow Road, noticed smoke coming from the Fink household and ran over to investigate.

Approaching the burning home, Edwards said, "I yelled for them (Finks), but didn't hear anyone. I'm just glad I got here when my sister and I did because it could have been a lot worse."

Hamilton used a phone to call emergency dispatchers, who immediately rushed firefighters to the scene.

Julie Fink is glad the fire didn't spread. "Luckily, it was just the house and it didn't go into the woods," she said.

The family lived at the home for over 19 years, according to Julie Fink. She said the 10-acre property is insured. Numerous friends have offered to provide shelter to the Finks.

"As long as the four of us are together, that's all that matters," she said.

Citizens Hose Co. Chief Matt Fausey ruled the fire accidental in nature.

Damage to the grill was severe enough to prevent firefighters from knowing if the grill malfunctioned while it was turned off or if it was simply left on when the homeowners left for the evening.

"It's accidental because we're not sure if something failed or they left it on," Fausey said.

Although Fausey said the grill's gas line was "burnt-off," nearby barbecue-size propane tanks did not rupture.

Fire to the grill was severe enough that it melted its control knobs, according to Fausey.

The Finks and their two children had plans to stay with friends.