Fire threatens Clarendon home

Quick action by a passerby and volunteer firemen saved a Clarendon home last Wednesday, March 29.

Fire Marshal Jeremy Powell said individual called 911 at 3:55 p.m. after noticing smoke coming from a house owned by Darrell Thomas at 1516 W. Fifth. The Clarendon Volunteer Fire Department arrived on the scene at 3:58 to find smoke and fire showing from the back of the house near the kitchen window.

An investigation later revealed that electricity and the residence had been turned off at the home since December because no one was living there, but the power was turned back on at about 3:42 p.m. Powell said the homeowner had sent someone to check the house before the power was connected, and that person had found all appliances to be disconnected except the stove.

Powell said two burners on the stove were on the “on” position and some flammable materials were on the stove following a moving and remodeling period.

The fire was ruled accidental but Powell suggests always having someone at a property when power is established because another local home was threatened by fire just a few years ago due to this exact same scenario.

Last week’s fire damage was contained to the kitchen and dining area of the home, Powell said. The remainder of the home suffered moderate to heavy smoke damage.

Fifteen firemen and seven units responded from the CVFD. Clarendon EMS and the Donley County Sheriff’s Office also responded to the blaze, and the sheriff’s office assisted with the investigation of the fire.