Martinsville fire investigators believe a kitchen stove burner left on, sparked a fire that burned a home Wednesday morning.
Firefighters found a home in the 200 block of Park Street fully engulfed in flames when they arrived around 11:00 a.m. The family who lives there had left abotu 15-20 minutes before a neighbor noticed the flames, according to a news release.
Investigators say Deborah Menefee was preparing to cook food on the kitchen stove, then changed her mind and decided to go out to get food. The Fire Marshal says the stove's right-front burner was left on, and ignited flammable materials near the stove.
“Cooking-related fires are our number one problem in Martinsville. No one should every leave a stove or any type of cooking with a heat source unattended. I ask everyone to please be certain that when you leave your home, even if it is just for a few minutes, to please be certain you turn off your stove or any flammable heat source; it could save your home, your life, and your family’s lives,” said Fire Marshal Ted Anderson in the news release.
The family's pet cat is still missing.
Investigators estimate the fire caused around $35,000 in damages.
Menefee, her three children, and a grandchild rent the home, and she does have renter's insurance. The Red Cross is also helping the family.
Martinsville City photos below
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