Morning fire results in 'total loss'

An early-morning blaze in Roachdale rendered a house at 106 E. Washington St. a "total loss" Tuesday. (Banner Graphic/NICK WILSON)

ROACHDALE -- Four area fire departments responded to a Roachdale house fire Tuesday morning.

Firefighters from four area departments responded to the morning blaze Tuesday. (Banner Graphic/NICK WILSON)

"It seems to have started in the middle of the home," Roachdale Fire Chief Mike Poole said as he took a break from the scene to explain the situation to The Banner Graphic. "I don't have the residents' names at the moment but it's definitely a total loss."

In all, roughly 25 firefighters from four different departments responded. Ladoga, Russellville, Bainbridge and Roachdale vehicles were present, as well as an ambulance from the Putnam-Montgomery-Hendricks service.

State Fire Marshal James Greeson was also on the scene to assist in an investigation.

Additionally, those involved were happy to report that, despite neighbors' close proximity and a westerly wind, no damage was caused to any adjacent structures as flames were prevented from spreading.

"We placed a hose on that (west) side of the house just in case -- it definitely helped," Poole said.

Andy Thomas, a Roachdale fireman who battled the interior flames, said it was difficult to keep the fire extinguished.

"It was dark, hot and there was a lot of fire," Thomas recalled. "The flames kept jumping behind us through the porch somehow so we kept having to back up to avoid being surrounded. There was a lot of smoke so it was hard to see in there."

This story will continue to be updated when information becomes available.

In a bit of a twist, flames fortunately began in the middle of the home, resulting in an inward pattern of debris which made damage to adjacent properties a non-issue. (Banner Graphic/NICK WILSON)