A SINGLE mother and her two young children are homeless today after a fire destroyed their house at 1051 Vineway St. in Martins Ferry Tuesday around 9:44 p.m.
Because of the location of the fire, which is off of Virginia Street, firefighters had to take US 250 to Crawford Heights and proceed from there. Vineway Street is a narrow street with a u-shaped turn at the bottom. Access is limited.
Firefighters also had to string hoses together to battle the blaze because there wasn't a fire hydrant in the immediate vicinity.
Article Photos
T-L Photo/KIM?NORTH
THIS?IS?all that remains today of a home on Vineway?Street in?Martins Ferry after a fire ripped through it Tuesday evening.
Martins Ferry Fire Chief Jack Regis said the family also lost several pets.
"We found one dog hiding in the basement," Regis said.
A firefighter took the dog home since the family doesn't have a place to keep the dog. Regis said they are looking for a permanent home for the dog which is a Collie-Shepherd mix. If anyone is interested in giving the dog a home, or donating to the family, they are asked to contact the Martins Ferry Police Department at (740) 633-2121.
Donations of clothing for the family may be left at the city building. Regis said the mother wears medium tops and size 7 pants. Clothing is also needed for a 4-year-old girl, size 4-T or 5T and a 1-year-old girl, sizes 18-24 months.
Firefighters battled frigid conditions before the blaze was extinguished shortly after 10:30 p.m. The Salvation Army Canteen was at the scene serving hot coffee.
Martins Ferry Police and Martins Ferry emergency personnel were also at the scene. Regis said a representative from the Ohio Fire Marshal's office is expected to view the scene today to determine the cause of the fire.
