Fire cause unknown
WASHINGTON TWP — The cause of a house fire Thursday night that left a family of five homeless is still undetermined.
David and Chrystal Brown were outside with their three children when the blaze started in an upstairs bedroom of their home at about 5:45 p.m.
Chrystal Brown said they realized there was a fire as the children, ages 5, 7 and 11, ran inside the home to get warmer clothes.
“We were all outside because it was actually a nice day (Thursday),” she said. “The kids went inside to put on different pants, and that’s when we realized there was a fire.”
Brown was thankful for Jeff Wolfe, a visiting relative of neighbors, who quickly rushed into the home after the children.
“He helped get the kids out,” she said.
No one was hurt during the incident. The cause of the fire is still unknown.
“We’re thinking it’s electrical, but we’re not 100 percent sure,” Brown said.
The exterior of the home had some minor damage from the blaze, specifically on its roof, while the inside of the structure had more significant damage.
“I think it’s a total loss,” Brown said. “It destroyed the upstairs. We lost everything in there.”
Firefighters were on scene for a little less than two hours, according to 911 reports.
In addition to North Washington Fire Department, firefighters from West Sunbury, Bruin and Marion Township responded. Petrolia Ambulance Service also assisted.
The American Red Cross was called to help the family.
Brown said the family will begin searching for a new home once it can begin collecting its necessities.
“We don’t even have any furniture,” she said.
The family had lived in the home for three years. They had renter’s insurance.
The family is staying with a neighbor and friend, Velma Weckerly.
Weckerly said any donations of clothing or furniture can be dropped off for the family at her home at 2303 Oneida Valley Road in North Washington.
The damaged home is owned by Kirby Litzenberg of Hooker, Brown said. Litzenberg could not be reached for comment.
