Louisa couple loses home to devastating fire

By Roberta Cantrell
BSN Editor

A Louisa couple lost their home of 36 years, Friday afternoon, Aug. 22, when according to neighbors a loud boom was heard coming from an unattached garage causing flames to engulf the structure and almost immediately ignite and engulf their home.

The home was a total loss along with the garage. A classic GTO vehicle that Bobby Cantrell has owned since he was 14 years old, was parked in the garage.

Bobby and his wife Peggy raised both of their sons in the home and it was a home their grandchildren visited frequently.

During the fire the Cantrell’s yard, the street and sidewalk was filled with emotional neighbors, friends and family who were in disbelief.

“This is such a shame,” one neighbor said. “Bobby and Peggy worked for everything they had. She just finished remodeling her living room and they always took pride in what they had because they worked since they were very young to have it.”

Bobby suffered serious burns to both his arms and was transported to Three Rivers Medical Center where he was treated and later released.

The fire department was able to keep the fire from spreading to houses on either side however, one neighbor who had a close by carport lost his truck due to the heat and flames from the garage fire and another house did have vinyl siding damage from the heat.

Lawrence County Sheriff Deputies kept South Lock Avenue blocked for several hours while crews worked to get the two-story house completely distinguished.

It was the second fire within a week next to the Louisa East Elementary School.

The Louisa Fire Department was assisted by Fallsburg Fire Department and Fort Gay, WV Fire Department.

Andrew Mortimer