A home on Dove Drive was destroyed in a fire on Friday morning.
The fire was reported at 9:47 a.m., according to Cheat Lake Volunteer Fire Department Chief Jason Christopher.
When firefighters arrived, there were heavy flames coming out of three sides of the home, he said. Fortunately, there was a fire hydrant next to the home with good water supply, but the home was still a total loss.
The homeowner, who did not offer his name, said there was a power outage on Thursday night and around midnight when the power came back on, the DirectTV box fried and started a small fire behind the TV and in the chimney, but he was able to put it out.
Christopher said its likely that enough wind was able to get in the chimney on Friday morning to restart the fire. He said even when a homeowner puts a small fire out themselves, they should still call 911 so firefighters can check behind the walls with a thermal camera.
The homeowner said he, his wife, two kids and most pets were all able to escape safely and they will be staying with his parents. A lizard did not survive the fire.
Christopher said he was thankful for all the departments that came out as part of the county’s mutual aid agreement.
In addition to Cheat Lake, volunteer firefighters from Star City, Bruceton-Brandonville, Granville and Brookhaven, plus county tankers responded. Mon EMS was also on scene.
