A wood burning stove could have caused catastrophe in Caneyville if not for a quick response by a Grayson County deputy and the Caneyville Fire Department.
Monday night at approximately 9:40, a residential fire was reported in the 500 block of East Maple Street (Hwy 62). Grayson County Deputy Wally Ritter was in the area and arrived within a minute of the initial call being relayed to the Caneyville Fire Department and EMS.
Ritter reported seeing smoke coming from the rear of the home upon his arrival and made entry.
He found in the basement of the home a wood burning stove on fire with the two occupants of the residence, who both suffer from medical conditions, attempting to put out the blaze. Ritter beat back the fire and escorted the occupants out of the home.
At about this time, Caneyville Fire Chief Brian Pharris arrived on scene. He provided Ritter with a fire extinguisher, with Ritter reentering the home and completely extinguishing the blaze as Pharris prepared two air packs.
Pharris then made entry and, along with other Caneyville firefighters, conducted an overhaul of the residence (ensuring no hot spots exist) and ventilated the structure.
The home’s two occupants, who likely suffered at least minor smoke inhalation, refused transport by EMS. Ritter was not injured.
Firefighters cleared the scene at 10:40.
The Leitchfield Fire Department was also summoned to the scene but LFD was cancelled when the fire was extinguished.
Grayson County Deputy Caleb Owens assisted at the scene.
By Ken Howlett, News Director
Contact Ken at ken@k105.com
