Perry Township – Fire destroyed a Perry Township family’s home early Monday morning, just after a thunderstorm raked across Lawrence County.

Tuesday, January 11, 2000

Perry Township – Fire destroyed a Perry Township family’s home early Monday morning, just after a thunderstorm raked across Lawrence County.

"We responded about 6:30 a.m., but the house was fully engulfed in flames upon our arrival," Perry Township Volunteer Fire Department assistant chief Larry Anderson said.

The single-story wood frame house at 756 Township Road 102, Ice Creek, was a total loss, Anderson said.

Resident Diane Petty and her three children, ages 16, 11 and 10, were asleep at the time the fire started, but escaped without injury.

The Coal Grove Volunteer Fire Department helped three Perry Township fire trucks and five volunteers pour water to the blazing home for several hours, Anderson said.

"We were able to knock it back some, but the damage had already been done," he said. "The living room and kitchen suffered the main damage."

Firefighters went back to the structure as it rekindled twice Monday.

The cause of the fire is undetermined and remains under investigation, he said.

The family lost everything, including a pet pig and cat, to the blaze, said county Red Cross coordinator Annabelle Jenkins, who helped the four find clothing and other supplies shortly after the early-morning blaze.

"They got out in just their night clothes, with no shoes or coats," Mrs. Jenkins said.

Ms. Petty and her children are now staying nearby with her mother, Fern Cooper, but still need assistance, she said.

The Red Cross will provide vouchers for some items, but private donations can be made directly to the family by calling them at 532-4347, Mrs. Jenkins added.