Cause Of Canton House Fire Under Investigation
By MALENA OGLES
Staff Writer
CANTON - Sifting through the ashes of two burned homes along County Road 2117, investigators said they are getting closer to determining what caused the fire in which an elderly woman died Monday.
Staff Writer
CANTON - Sifting through the ashes of two burned homes along County Road 2117, investigators said they are getting closer to determining what caused the fire in which an elderly woman died Monday.
"We are looking at the area of origin, looking for anything that may have started it," Van Zandt County Fire Marshal Chuck Allen said.
The severity of the fire has made finding an ignition source difficult for investigators. Piles of charred furniture, tin and siding lay scattered across a lot, the only indication of where a home once stood.
At around 8 a.m. Monday morning, a passing motorist called 911 when they saw smoke and flames coming from the residence.
When the Canton Fire Department arrived, the single-wide mobile home was fully engulfed in flames and the homeowner was outside coughing from smoke inhalation.
"We had reports there were possibly three occupants trapped inside, but we were unable to make entry," said Charles Bazhaw, Canton Fire Department chief. "We had to make it a defensive operation because it was so largely involved."
Later, firefighters discovered two of the occupants presumed to be in the residence had left for work before the fire started.
The only person inside was 85-year-old Anna Love, of Canton, who neighbors said was suffering from Alzheimer's disease and was immobile. At noon, Mrs. Love's body was removed from the home.
Tuesday afternoon when the fire site cooled, Allen and agents from the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms searched the area looking for evidence.
"Because it was a fatal fire I requested their assistance," Allen said. "They have more resources to assist us in determining a cause."
Allen added it could take several days before they know how the house caught fire.
Mrs. Love's body was sent to the Southeast Texas Forensics Lab in Tyler for an autopsy. Allen said he expects to receive the preliminary autopsy results within the next few days.
FAQ
Search Forums
Log in
Register
