Second Fallsburg home lost to fire this month

By Roberta Cantrell

BSN Editor

Fallsburg Fire Chief Chris Jobe reported another home that was a total loss due to a fire on Thursday, Jan. 23. It is the second one this month.

The fire was due to the occupant Paul Napier, trying to thaw out his water pipes with a space heater.

According to Jobe, Napier told him that he had used this method several times and he would just let the heater run and check it periodically but this time when he went to check, it was on fire.

The home was located at 2416 Old Fallsburg Road. Jobe said it was fully engulfed when they arrived shortly after getting the call at 7:05 p.m.

“Although it was unfortunate that he lost his home, I’m glad he wasn’t injured,” said Jobe. “This is the second structure fire we’ve been called to within a month and even though house fires can happen any time of the year, they seem to be especially bad this time of year when the temperatures are this cold.”

Jobe said he encourages everyone to stay safe and make sure their smoke detectors are working.

Louisa and Webbville Fire Departments were called in for mutual aid and the Red Cross also came to assist Napier.