No cause expected in Kingsville Township blaze

By MARK TODD - Staff Writer - mtodd@starbeacon.com
Star Beacon

November 26, 2008 06:56 pm

— KINGSVILLE TOWNSHIP — The destruction of a Kingsville Township house to fire Tuesday probably makes it impossible for investigators to pinpoint the cause of the blaze, said acting Kingsville fire chief Neal Stewart.
“(The cause) will be listed as undetermined,” Stewart said Wednesday.
The 108-year-old home at 5901 Cemetery Road, owned by Arthur Shahan, burned for hours Tuesday. Firefighters said flames were tucked inside countless recesses in the walls and ceiling, and impossible to reach. As a result, the decision was made Tuesday afternoon to demolish the smoldering home with a power shovel. The goal was to prevent the fire from restarting. However, firefighters were called back shortly after midnight Wednesday when the blaze rekindled, Stewart said. Firefighters from Kingsville and North Kingsville spent two hours at the scene, he said.
The state fire marshal’s office was contacted about investigating the blaze but said it would be futile given the condition of the house, Stewart said. The blaze was the first major structure fire in the township in the past 10 years, he said.
No one was injured in the fire, which began late Tuesday morning, officials said. Firefighters initially feared someone was home upon seeing a vehicle in the driveway, but later learned the occupant was visiting a physician at the time, Stewart said.
The fire began in the basement, probably near the west end of the house, Stewart said. More than 50 firefighters from seven departments responded to the alarm, he said.
Shahan returned to his ruined home Wednesday morning, accompanied by an insurance agent, Stewart said. “(Shahan) was heartbroken, obviously,” he said.
Arthur Shahan could not be located for comment Wednesday.
Shahan and his wife had lived in the home for years and are longtime members of the Open Door Community Church, located a few steps away.
“We understand they may have salvaged a couple of chairs and some pictures (Wednesday),” said Nancy Baucom, church secretary.
The Shahans have not yet asked for any assistance, Baucom said.
“We’ve let them know we’re here and ready to help,” she said. “We keep praying for them.”

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