SPENCER FIRE VICTIMS IDENTITY NOT VERIFIED

(08/22/2006)
The identity of a Roane County man, described in his early 20s, is yet to be verified by the WV Medical Examiner in Charleston.

While the name of a victim has been indicated in the community, tests and autopsy results confirming his identity have yet to be released.

Fire roared through a house owned by Spencer resident Gary Crichfield early Saturday morning along State Rt. 14. The dwelling was fully involved when firemen arrived.

Crichfield and another male escaped the dwelling using a rescue ladder from the second floor.

The fire was reported about 4:11 a.m., but the State Fire Marshal's office and the State Police are looking for anyone who might have been in the area between 3 and 4:30 a.m.

Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the State Fire Marshal's 24-hour hotline at 1-800-233-3473 (FIRE).

The Spencer-Roane Volunteer Fire Department, said 18 firefighters and five units responded to the fire, including personnel from Spencer-Roane, Reedy VFD and Clover VFD.