Staff Photo/RACHEL DOVE-BALDWIN This home, located at 162 Taylor Fork Rd. at Turkey Creek, Ky., is thought to have burned from an electrical fire that is said to have began in the laundry room area of the home on Wednesday evening. Homeowners Jerry and Shelia Lockard were away from the residence at the time of the incident. The Turkey Creek Volunteer Fire Department was assisted at the scene by firefighters with the Belfry and Big Creek Departments.

slideshow

RACHEL DOVE-BALDWIN

Staff Writer

TAYLOR FORK RD. - A three-story, single dwelling home located at 162 Taylor Fork of Turkey Creek Ky., received extensive fire, smoke and water damage from what appears to be an electrical problem that originated in the utility room of the home Wednesday evening.

According to Turkey Creek Volunteer Fire Department (TCVFD) Vice-President Timothy Cline, the 911 call from a neighbor reporting smoke coming from the right side top floor of the residence owned by Jerry and Shelia Lockard was received at approximately 6:45 p.m. Firefighters with the TCVFD were on scene in a matter of minutes, due to the close proximity of their station to the burning home.

“When we arrived, the fire had already spread into the ceiling between the first and second floors, and looked as though it had started in the laundry room,” stated Cline. “There was extensive damage throughout the home not only from the fire itself, but from water and smoke.”

Cline said that the home can possibly be repaired, but that will also depend on the extent of hidden, internal damage that may be discovered once it is thoroughly inspected.

The owner of the home serves as a board member for the TCVFD, according to Cline, and he commented that this makes the matter more personal for his firefighters.

“It’s always hard to see anyone go through losing their home and possessions due to a fire or flood, but when it’s someone that donates their time and serves with you on the fire department, your heart really goes out to them.”

Cline stated that on behalf of the TCVFD Chief James Stepp, he wished to express their appreciation for the assistance of additional trucks and firefighters from the Belfry and Big Creek Volunteer Fire Departments who arrived to help extinguish the blaze. A total of 4 trucks and 16 firemen responded to the call.

Cline also commented that the Turkey Creek Department is actively recruiting volunteer firefighters, and asked that anyone is interested, to please contact their station at 606-237-7117.

“If you live within a 15-20 minute response time to the Turkey Creek area, we’d love to have you volunteer with us to help make our neighborhoods and community a safer place to live,” Cline remarked.

“You never know when you’re going to be the one in need of assistance.”