By allowing ads to appear on this site, you support the local businesses who, in turn, support great journalism.
Home fire ruled accidental
pl Fire Invest
Liberty County Fire Coordinator James Ashdown looks for evidence to show how a fire started. - photo by Phgoto by Patty Leon
Liberty County Fire Coordinator James Ashdown and Hinesville fire investigator Lt. George Screws rummaged through debris and peered into the remnants of the walls at Bishop Bobby Kindley’s house Friday morning to try and determine the cause of the blaze that gutted the interior section of the home.
The fire, Wednesday night, was initially believed to have started in an area around the kitchen and stove.
The blaze was contained within the wall structure, making flames barely visible from the outside, but the damage throughout the interior left everything charred.
Walking through the house with flashlights, Ashdown and Screws concentrated on a specific area and found the origin of the blaze.
“The area of origin for this fire was the furnace room, a small closet-type enclosure beneath part of the staircase,” Ashdown said. “This is what we would classify as an accidental fire, likely from faulty wiring or an electrical short,” he said.
The furnace area was adjacent to the kitchen area and Ashdown explained how the charring of the wood revealed it as the location where the fire rolled out into the kitchen wall and roof.
No injuries were reported in connection with the fire, but the Kindley family lost all of their possessions.
If you would like to help the Kindleys, donations may be dropped off at Light of the World Deliverance Center, 4720 E. Oglethorpe, or call the church at 368-2263.
Also, a trust fund is set up for the family and donations may be made at the Heritage Bank of Hinesville.
Sign up for our e-newsletters