Sullivan Fire Called On Three Separate House Fires This Week

The Sullivan Fire Protection District has responded to six different house fires since December 1, with three just this past week alone.

Sullivan Fire Chief Eric Lewis reported that each of the three shift crews had had a structure fire during their scheduled second 24-hour shift this past week.

A fire on Dec. 12 left a family of six without a home.

According to Lewis, firefighters arrived on the scene and were able to see smoke coming out of all four sides of the attic of the home.

“The occupant of the home reported that a breaker is believed to have tripped in the upstairs of the home due to the use of a space heater,” said Chief Lewis. “The homeowner stated that his daughter had alerted him that her bedroom lights upstairs had gone on and off, at which time he walked outside to the garage and observed smoke coming from the home. The man, identified at David Tyrey, then went inside the home and got everyone out calling 911.”

Firefighters found no fire on the first or second floor but did observe fire in the attic area.

“The home sustained smoke and water damage, but we again had a fast knockdown on this fire and contained it to the attic,” said Lewis. The home was not able to be occupied, and the family reached out to the American Red Cross, who was able to help them overnight and obtain a few items for them.”

A gofundme.com account has been set up to assist the family with their loss during this time by a friend Sarah Sohn Unger which can be accessed on her Facebook page.

Clothing is also being sought, including girls 10L, Girls 2-4, 5-5, men's 2 XL, and men's l-xl, which is also being led by Unger on her Facebook page.

A home was damaged on Highway H last Thursday due to nearby burning leaves. 

A vacated home on East Springfield also was damaged. Firefighters believe someone may have been trying to use it for warmth.

Read more on these fires in the Dec. 16 issue of the Independent News.