An explosion started a fire that quickly spread throughout a Salem home Saturday afternoon heavily damaging the two-story structure.
Salem Fire Chief Dave Duncan says the fire was at the Caleb Howe residence at 420 South Pearl.
“We had a fully involved structure that according to reports came from an explosion of some sort. There were also two adjacent motor vehicles that were on fire as well in the driveway. The fire appears to have been centered in the carport area on the east side of the building. It appears the fire had gained probably through the eve of the house and up into closed spaces in the finished areas up on the second story.”
Duncan says the older construction methods then allowed the fire easily to move between all floors of the house. As far as what started the fire.
“They were working on a motorcycle in the carport area on the east side of the house and somehow or another fire resulted. I think that is probably what the explosion was. I understand one of the front suspension pieces launched 50 feet or more away from the scene.”
Salem Fire Marshal Bill Fulton says Howe and other family members were able to escape the fire.
One Salem Fireman has been taken to Salem Township Hospital for treatment of the effects of the heat.
Fulton notes because of the firefighter injury and the explosion, the State Fire Marshal’s office will be called in to review the fire.
Salem received mutual aid on the scene from Kell, Kinmundy-Alma, Mt. Vernon, and Odin while Iuka and Sandoval Firemen stood by at the Salem station as a backup in the event of another fire.
The home is owned by Frank Buester of Salem.
Salem Firemen work to put out a blaze that started in the lean-to garage when the gas tank of a motorcycle being repaired exploded and started a fire that heavily damaged the home. Photo by Bruce Kropp.
the fire spread to three vehicles in front of the home, causing heavy damage to two and smoke damage to a third. Photo by Bruce Kropp.
Salem Firemen fight fire from the roof of lean-to. Photo by Bruce Kropp.
Salem Firemen work to put out the remaining fire in the second story of the home from both inside and outside. Photo by Bruce Kropp.
