Aulne house damaged by fire
A home at 1415 Pawnee, Aulne, received extensive fire and smoke damage Thursday afternoon. The state fire marshal has not determined the cause. However, arson has been ruled out.
The home, owned by Gerald McGinnes, of Kansas City, Mo., was not occupied at the time of the fire. The fire was reported by a neighbor.
"The fire appeared to have started in a back room," said Thad Meierhoff, fire chief. The room was being used for storage of household items.
Black smoke poured out of a rear window of the house during the time of the fire.
"There was a tremendous amount of smoke damage," said Meierhoff. He originally estimated the damage to the older, two-story house at $25,000 to $30,000, but thinks it could be more.
Fourteen Marion firefighters responded to the call. A 2,500-gallon tanker truck was taken to the scene to provide water with 100 to 150 gallons used.
The fire was contained and extinguished before causing any damage to neighboring homes and outbuildings.
"We were very fortunate the house was shut up," said Meierhoff, "causing the fire to be self-contained."
Peabody firefighters were called for backup due to possible water shortage, which was not an issue.
"Any time you have houses this close together, you don't want to take any chances," said Meierhoff.
No injuries were reported.
