This mobile home on Piney Creek Post Office Road was destroyed by fire on Christmas Eve after a kitchen accident. The roof of the home collapsed, leaving little of the structure standing.

Two local homes are damaged by fire just before Christmas

One Alleghany County home was damaged and another destroyed by fire last week.

A rented Piney Creek mobile home was destroyed on Christmas Eve after a mishap involving a kitchen range, while an Ennice residence was damaged by fire on Dec. 22.

Christmas Eve Fire

A Christmas Eve fire in Piney Creek destroyed a mobile home on Piney Creek Post Office Road, according to Chief Larry Adams of the Piney Creek Volunteer Fire Department.

The fire broke out in the rental home shortly before the fire department was dispatched at 8:41 a.m. on Dec. 24. The home was inhabited by Debby Pasley and her 3-year-old son. Adams said Pasley also has a 9-year-old daughter who was staying with grandparents when the fire occurred.

“It was completely destroyed,” Adams said, even though the first firemen arrived on the scene in 11 minutes. The kitchen was near the middle of the home, said Adams, contributing to the destruction of the older-model mobile home.

“Upon our arrival, it had already collapsed,” said Adams. “The fire began in the kitchen area of the home when the cabinets caught fire near the range,” said Adams.

“The fire has been ruled an accident,” Adams said.

The owner of the residence is Jerry Marlow of Sparta.

The family lost most of its Christmas presents in the fire, as well as all personal belongings.

“They basically got out with the clothes they had on; it happened that quick,” Adams said.

Piney Creek responded to the fire with three trucks and 16 firemen, while Laurel Springs sent two trucks and 10 firemen to assist with water supply. Alleghany Emergency Medical Service and the Alleghany County Rescue Squad also sent units to standby.

The family has moved in with Pasley’s mother and stepfather, said Adams. The American Red Cross was contacted to assist them with clothing.

At Left: Firemen saved this home on Jarvis Road after a flue fire spread into the living room and attic areas of the home. Smoke damage and structural damage to the living room amounted to about $25,000.

Get the rest of this article in this week's issue of the Alleghany News! Back