SIFTING THROUGH THE ASHES - Fire Marshal Investigating Grantsville's Fire

(05/23/2007)

State Fire Marshal Roger York and Calhoun deputy sheriff Justin Metheney survey damage between Court and Hardman Street York looks at damage which affected several houses on Hardman Street Neighbors believe fire started in this area where a camper was attached to a building By Bob Weaver Following an early morning fire that destroyed two Grantsville structures and severely damaged several others, State Fire Marshal investigators spent much of Tuesday sifting through the ashes and taking statements regarding what appeared to be a suspicious fire. Fire Marshal Roger York said he could not comment on the investigation. York has been in Calhoun in recent weeks on several other suspicious fires that appeared to be arson. The fire totaled two structures, both reportedly owned by Bim Smith, and damaged at least five others. Houses occupied by Levi Fowler, T. C. Pritchett and JoAnn Shock were damaged, with heavy damage to two other dwellings, one owned by Jim Morris and the other the former Basnett house. Yesterdays fire in Grantsville, unlike other recent single-dwelling fires, had potential to reek havoc in a section of town occupied by dozens of old wooden structures built close together, including the nearby Rainbow Hotel, considered to be the town's biggest fire trap. Grantsville Fire Chief Craig Gherke said a really quick response and getting water on the blaze localized the situation. The first responder was on the scene operating in about six minutes, good for a 2 a.m. fire. Gherke expressed appreciation to the Arnoldsburg and Upper West Fork VFDs for helping fight the fire. Fireman Alan Bell, who was first on the scene, said "It was going good," on his arrival. "I think everyone knew this could be a really bad situation," said Assistant Chief Dave Johnson, who was grateful there were no injuries. View of fire scene from Court Street, Morris house (L) with Smith-Ball house (R) The Steve Barr house to the right of the Smith-Ball house was saved by firemen Grantsville fire Captain Steve Heath looks at damage to the Basnett house Steve Barr, whose house was just feet from one of two structures totaled by the blaze, said "It's a miracle my house was saved. They went to work saving it right away, and they did, with virtually no damage." Barr said he got his family out of the house quickly, along with the family dogs. Other nearby dwellings had already received damage when firemen arrived, and some were threatened several times during the morning as the fire continued to erupt. Firemen remained on the scene throughout the morning. "We'll be here until all the work gets done," said Captain Steve Heath Grantsville Police Chief J.D. Nicholson indicated the cause of the fire will likely be determined. A house owned by Jim Morris received damage (L) as did a house on the other side of Hardman Street (R) belonging to T. C. and Ellouise Pritchett, formerly the Starkey house

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