| Fire destroys area home, kills dogs
A Spencer-Roane firefighter battles a Saturday blaze
on Oak Drive Addition near Spencer (Photo by Drew Hardman)
By Drew Hardman, Spencer Newspapers
Staff Reporter www.thetimesrecord.net
A raging fire engulfed an enclosed carport outside a Spencer residence Saturday, killing 10 Dachshund dogs and leaving the home a total loss.
Firefighters say electrical problems most likely caused the blaze at 104 Oak Drive Addition, where Calhoun County natives Mike and Lesa Carpenter and their two daughters had lived for just over a year.
"I had an electric heater in (the carport), but the firemen said it wasn't knocked over," Mike Carpenter said. "And my gas can was sitting outside the building.
"I don't see how it started."
Lt. Ray Dietz of Spencer-Roane Volunteer Fire Dept. said neighbors first alerted the Carpenters of the fire shortly before noon. Firefighters were dispatched at 12:01 p.m. and arrived on the scene 15 minutes later, with 13 firefighters and two trucks.
"Upon arrival, the carport and side of the house were fully involved," Dietz said.
The flames had spread through half the house and much of the attic before firefighters were able to get the fire under control.
By that time, however, the Carpenters had already lost several Dachshunds, which the family kept in kennels located inside the enclosed carport. According to Carpenter, the family raised the dogs for sale or as family pets.
"I was so busy trying to get my dogs out the back I didn't notice much of anything else," Carpenter said.
He said he burned his hand retrieving one kennel from the rear exit of the blazing carport, and was unable to save 10 additional dogs.
"Most of them were pets," Carpenter said. "My wife loves 'em all. She took it pretty hard."
Dietz said firefighters were on the scene until 2:40 p.m. The home, which was declared a total loss, was not insured.
"We lost everything," Carpenter said. "All of our daughters' clothes, the dishes in the kitchen - it's all gone."
After the fire, the family moved to their former home on Russell Road in Grantsville, where Carpenter hopes to set up a trailer "as soon as possible."
They are staying in a home that has no heat, except for electric heaters in a single room. Water lines in the home have frozen and burst.
"This house ain't in that great shape, but it's a roof over our heads," Carpenter said.
An account has been set up for the family at Calhoun Banks to accept monetary donations. Those wishing to donate clothing or household items may call 354-7414 to make arrangements.
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