FAIRVIEW TWP — A disabled man was seeing a doctor Wednesday afternoon when a fire destroyed his modular home at 1262 Hooker Road, authorities said.

Richard Birckbichler lost his home and possessions in the blaze about 4:40 p.m.

Fire officials believe the blaze started in the kitchen and spread quickly to the attic, burning through a portion of the roof.

While the cause of the fire is not considered suspicious, Barnes said he planned to call the state police fire marshal’s office to assist in the investigation.

A passing motorist called 911 after spotting smoke coming from the home, authorities said.

About 50 firefighters from Petrolia, Bruin and Chicora got there and used tanker trucks to shuttle water to the fire from a hydrant about a mile away.

Firefighters battled the blaze for about two hours.

Officials believe Birckbichler had been cooking on the gas stove before he left the home for a doctor’s appointment.

Damage was estimated at $60,000 to the house and between $20,000 and $30,000 to its contents. The property is insured.

Birckbichler reportedly is staying with a friend in Butler.