State Fire Marshal called to conduct investigation into Saturday house fire in Jasper

The Jasper Fire Department responded to a fire at 312 Third Ave on Saturday, Jan. 7 at around 11. p.m. An individual at the home discovered the fire after smelling smoke.

According to Jasper Fire Chief Kenny Hochgesang he was the first to arrive at the residence. When he went into the house he found the fire in the kitchen where flames were coming from behind a refrigerator up to the ceiling.

There were seven individuals in the home; five adults, a three year old child, and a one year old child. They all escaped from the home but one individual that ran back into the home several times was taken to Memorial Hospital for problems associated with smoke inhalation.

The individuals were provided a place to stay that night by the American Red Cross and have since moved in with friends and family.

The home was cited for elevated levels of lead by the State Health Department in September. Lead levels in areas tested were up to three times the legal limit according to the report. The house owners had not done anything to remedy the lead situation there and according to the County Health Department another citation would have to be filed before any action could be taken against the homeowners. That story here.

Hochgesang stated the fire appeared to originate from an electrical outlet behind the refrigerator. The outlet may have been damaged when the refrigerator was pushed against the wall and the plug.

Daniel Schnell is purchasing the home on contract from Stanley and Brenda K. Vaal of Birdseye. Although the home is still standing, Hochgesang estimated damages to the home to be between $25,000 and $30,000.

Hochgesang also reported the State Fire Marshal was contacted to investigate the cause of the fire.