Staff Report
A chimney fire Saturday left a town of Sharon family homeless, the Sharon Springs fire chief said Sunday night.
The blaze was the second this year to oust a family from its dwelling in Sharon, Chief Greg Baxter said.
Both homes were old farm houses, Baxter said, and windy conditions added to difficulties fighting the fires and contributed to the degree of loss. None of the residents or firefighters was injured, he said.
The Sharon Springs fire crews responded to a call at about 9 p.m. Saturday at the Lori Webb residence on Parson Road, Baxter said. Residents had reported the blaze as a chimney fire, but the main part of the structure was burning by the time crews reached the scene.
About 25 to 30 firefighters, including crews from Cobleskill and Carlisle, responded with Ames Fire Department on standby, Baxter said.
Tankers shuttled water from the plant in Sharon Springs, and 5-to-15 mph-wind gusts made the fire burn faster, he said. Fire, water and smoke damage destroyed the house.
Webb has at least one teenage child living at home, Baxter said, and some personal property, including photographs were saved. Sharon Springs crews logged into the station at about 1:45 a.m. Sunday.
Baxter said wind previously had been ``the enemy'' at the end of January, when crews were called to a fire at the home of Jim and Betty Marshall on Gilberts Corner Road. Steady winds of 35 to 40 mph, and the zero temperature created frigid conditions and resulted in freezing equipment, he said. About 30 to 35 firefighters responded, with other departments providing mutual aid.
The area community has ``come together'' to help the Marshalls, who have two children, Baxter said. The residents weren't home, he said, and a passing snowplow driver reported the house ablaze. The cause of the fire is unknown and cannot be determined because of the destruction, he said.
Baxter said he didn't know where the Webb family was staying but said the Marshalls have stayed with friends. The Red Cross is helping both families, who have insurance, he said.
