Fire Destroys Log Home in Lawrence County, Ohio
Fire Destroys Log Home in Lawrence County, Ohio Save Email Print
Posted: 10:04 PM Aug 15, 2008
 Last Updated: 2:31 PM Aug 16, 2008
 Reporter: Paul Gessler
Email Address: paul.gessler@wsaz.com
41 comments
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SOUTH POINT, Ohio (WSAZ) -- Firefighters from multiple departments responded to a house fire Friday night at a log home valued at nearly $500,000 and located along County Road 15, also known as Lick Creek Road, in Lawrence County.

The home was destroyed but firefighters managed to keep it from spreading to an adjacent garage.

The owners of the log cabin weren't at home when the fire started. There were no initial reports of any injuries, but County Road 15 was closed as crews had to haul water up the hill to fight the fire.

No word yet on what started the fire.

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Posted by: Nikki on Aug 29, 2008 at 03:06 AM
My husband is both paid and volunteer and it really doesnt matter which you are the fact that you do what you do for your community is what matters. These peoples loss is great and sad and for Julio..you said something about would you want a volunteer doctor doing surgery on you? well of course not so are we safe in assuming that if your house catches fire you will ask for I.D. before you let someone put it out to make sure they are union, or would you be grateful to the people who risk their lives out of the pure love for humanity and and selflessness of endangering their lives for FREE to save lives of others even people like you?
Posted by: Art on Aug 28, 2008 at 12:13 AM
Every fire department in this county would love to train you and have the opportunity to have you help. “Were Helping, So Can You” Look for our full page membership drive ad in the Ironton Tribune's Pigskin Preview 2008
Posted by: Art on Aug 28, 2008 at 12:10 AM
Hello all, including Julio. Being a volunteer firefighter, I can tell you paid or volunteer it is all the same. We fight everyday for better funding, better equipment, and better training facilities. Most of our departments in Law Co are fortunate enough, to be able to get much needed grant monies from the federal government to get new equipment and training. This helps make it possible to protect the citizens of our communities, without raising the tax rate. Thanks to President Bush this money will no longer be available to us. http://www.fireengineering.com/articles/article_display.html?id=247840 As far as this fire or the one the nite before, it is hard for us whether we are paid, or volunteer to save any home or business if we are alerted to respond when over 60% of the building is already engulfed in flames. I challenge any resident of Lawrence County who thinks that they can do a better job of protecting life and property as a firefighter to stand up and meet the challenge.
Posted by: Leslie on Aug 27, 2008 at 11:59 PM
Julio, I must ask. Do you drive outside the city limits of Ashland or Ironton? I am asking because most of the fire departments in Southeast Ohio and most of them in Kentucky are volunteer departments. With the exception of the Ashland fire department and the Ironton fire department, who are paid departments. So you might want to make sure that you route yourself only through Ashland, Ironton, or Huntington because you wouldnt want a " volunteer fireman", a non-union man cutting you out of the vehicle, and saving your life.
Posted by: TH on Aug 20, 2008 at 02:04 AM
alright julio first you put down vol firefighters and now you are saying bless them. they find the time to try to help the community for nothing. aperantly that is more than what you can say mr. pro union. people like you discust me. vol fireman have more time in training than you could ever imagine. how about you go to your nearest vol fire dept and put in an application or are you to pro-union to help someone out at no expence. Acually how about you go to your nearest vol fire dept and tell the firefighters word for word what you wrote and see what happens. I dont think you will like it very much.
Posted by: =) on Aug 19, 2008 at 11:35 AM
Does it matter if they are paid or volunteer as long as the job gets done?
Posted by: to julio on Aug 19, 2008 at 06:21 AM
Bless the volunteer fire fighters! We are talking about people and their loss, not unions. Your union couldn't have put this one out.
Posted by: J on Aug 18, 2008 at 07:16 PM
Julio, what happens when your "pro-union" firefighters go on strike, with no volunteers. If union members weren't so selfish, we would still have manufacturing in this country. If you had your way, people would die while you picket at a home fire.
Posted by: SOUTH POINT on Aug 18, 2008 at 11:58 AM
I HAVE SOMETHING TO SAY TO JULIO, MY BOYFRIEND IS A VOLUNTEER FIRE FIGHTER FOR PERRY TOWNSHIP WHICH IS IN SOUTH POINT. THEY HAVE A VERY QUICK RESPONCE TIME, AND WERE ON SCENE IN LESS THAN 10 MINUTES. THAT IS MORE THAN I CAN SAY EVEN FOR MOST PAID FIRE DEPARTMENTS. THESE MEN AND WOMEN RISK THEIR LIVES TO SAVE YOURS AND THEY GET PAID ABSOLUTELY NOTHING. SO WHAT IS YOUR EXCUSE FOR NOT DOING IT TO?
Posted by: Apollo on Aug 18, 2008 at 09:53 AM
I really wish Debby would come on here and straighten out the spelling errors here and give her take.
Posted by: cathairskid on Aug 18, 2008 at 07:26 AM
To Julio, several members of my family have served on volunteer fire department for more than 30 years and put their lives in danger everytime they go out on a call. Mind you they do not get paid not one dime for the service they do. They get up at all hours of the night in any kind of weather and never think twice about it. They seen all sorts of horrible things but they never once complain about not getting paid. The rural areas that we live in cannot afford to have paid emergency service personel therefore they depend on the the volunteers,if weren't for the volunteers there would be "NOBODY"! Then what would you do in an emergency? You and these others complaining should be thankful that there are volunteer fireman out there to save your homes and your families when they are need. I am proud of what my family members do and would want them and their crew at my rescue anytime.
Posted by: Voice in the air on Aug 18, 2008 at 07:07 AM
To Julio: Just for your information, from the time of alarm to when the first engine marked on scene was 8 minutes, this is time is very close to the time that it takes an engine co in a large city also, so if you think that paid departments are so great, why do they loose as many structures as they do ? I will have you know that I have the certification to be a paid fire fighter and choose not to but most of your paid fire fighters are also volunteer fire fighters. If you think that there could be such great changes, why dont you going your local fire department and make a difference that was instead of setting at you computer and whining and complaining
Posted by: Anonymous on Aug 18, 2008 at 12:49 AM
I'm with Julio. The anti-union sentiment expressed on this site is depressing. I will never understand how corporations have brainwashed the citizenry so thoroughly. You fight against that which will lift you up.
Posted by: katy on Aug 17, 2008 at 11:30 PM
okay are we all forgetting there has been many fires out lick creek..the trailor and house going up the hill towardes 243...I go that way going to my farm. there are some nice homes and very nice people. My husband saw the fire from Hunt street in ashland. I am so sry for your loss...material can be replaced but you cant
Posted by: lilwise on Aug 17, 2008 at 10:32 PM
julio this was a log cabin which is all wood what happens when a forest fire is started look what happens out west most of them are vol so i guess they dont do there job neither i spoke to Bob clay the home owner they were very thankful for what we did i would wish you to join my station and go through our training every week here in ohio we have to have 52 hours a year of trainig so dont talk about something you are not brave enough to do so please go to your local vol dept and join and also we go threw a 36 hour class to be certified thanks we do get paid 1 dollar a year and we turn it back to are funds
Posted by: What??? on Aug 17, 2008 at 09:15 PM
Julio, I know you cast your hook into the water and some of us have bit! Please, please tell us all of your plan to get us vol's paid. I have served on both sides as volunteer and paid (a sin I know!) and can tell you it will never happen. Taking a community that can barely put gravel (not pavement) on their roads, with no tax base other than homes (many in poverty). With some towns/areas so remote, where would the money come from? Are those country folks not worthy of emergency services? The Country, States and local governments are broke! All kentucky will succeed at with their current venture will be putting what emergency services they have in smaller towns and remote counties out of business. If they can barely afford fuel for their broken down equipment, who will pay the lawsuits? A big thank you to all public servants, both volunteer and paid! Some help is better than none.
Posted by: VFDdude on Aug 17, 2008 at 05:33 PM
To Julio: the only difference between a "pro union, pro-full time department to protect what we most cherish, our family, our homes, our business, our lives..." is the pay and benefits. In Southern Ohio, area departments are very proud independent fire service organizations. They take tremendous pride in performing their jobs without pay or the recognition that they deserve. Volunteer firefighters are the backbone of the fire service here in the US. I forget the latest stats, but, more than 60% of US departments are completely volunteer. Don't take issues with Volunteer Departments. Without a doubt, these dedicated individuals are some of the finest people occupying this Earth. Instead, take issues with the ways that they are funded.
Posted by: tim on Aug 17, 2008 at 03:28 PM
Julio aweful strong words from a union man who threatened to quit his own union over your friend not getting his job.....
Posted by: larry and jane on Aug 17, 2008 at 02:06 PM
bob and ann, so sorry we are praying for you all. we love you
Posted by: lil t on Aug 17, 2008 at 01:50 PM
I would like to comment on the volunteer fire fighter comment my husband and children father is a volunteer fireman and he puts his life at risk every call for free do u realize for free. They are there to help serve and protect the communty they are very well cetified and trained they have extensive training and weekly training to make them qualified to do what they do so when your in a car wreck in ohio or someone u love is hurt u thankful for the volunteer fireman who helps you. They did a outstanding job in our community and I thank all of them for everything they do .
Posted by: James on Aug 17, 2008 at 12:10 PM
Sounds like Julio has an agenda.
Posted by: reply on Aug 17, 2008 at 11:19 AM
To julio,- it would be wonderful if we could have paid departments everywhere but face it, its not going to happen. do you want to pay the taxes it would take to run a fire dept. besides, i dont like the fact you want to take cheap shots at volunteer fire dept. i am a volunteer and just happen to have all of the highest certifications. are you a volunteer and try to help your community. if not then shut up. most volunteer dept try to do everything possible with the budget and equipment provided to save lives and homes. by the way you see total losses with paid dept as well. not all can be saved. To the family that lost their home i am sorry for your losses.
Posted by: Beth on Aug 17, 2008 at 10:36 AM
My husband and father in law done the stone work on this house. Its sad to see it gone but Im just glad everyone is okay and nobody got hurt!
Posted by: julio on Aug 17, 2008 at 09:33 AM
maybe we should look at the response time of volunteer firefighters, this is why kentucky is taking the proactive stance to no longer give volunteer fire departments government immunity. alot of decisions made by these departments cost home and business owners thousands of dollars and sometimes there is no one to even answer the call. paid departments are held to a higher standard and have the knowledge to make decisions in an emergency. let me ask you, would you want a volunteer doctor doing an operation on a loved one?? exactly.........pro union, pro-full time departments to protect what we most cherish, our family, our homes, our business, our lives.
Posted by: Lick Creeker on Aug 17, 2008 at 07:58 AM
How about the house that burned the night before? No one lived in this house. It couldn't have been faulty wiring. Some "shady" character had already ripped all the wiring out.
Posted by: Ed & Linda on Aug 17, 2008 at 07:57 AM
Bob and Ann, So very sorry--we love you!
Posted by: Not Far From Home on Aug 16, 2008 at 09:35 PM
I have lived on Lick Creek Road for 20 years and never had to worry until now. We have ppl walk up and down this road all hours of the night. Our prayers are with the Clay Family. My Question is Do we have to worry now about our homes when we are away??
Posted by: Anonymous on Aug 16, 2008 at 07:40 PM
No one was hurt or killed. Most stuff can be replaced (sorry for pictures, etc.). It could of been worse. Perhaps instead of "shady" chracters, it was faulty wiring.
Posted by: hannah clay on Aug 16, 2008 at 07:21 PM
this was my grandparents they r fine just upset about there home i saw the fire i was up there last night it was bad it bured the side of my granddads car by the time the firefighters got there it was to late but the best thing is that their fine!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: volunteer ff on Aug 16, 2008 at 05:59 PM
many thanks to all who answered the call to put this fire out and none got injured.
Posted by: friends of family on Aug 16, 2008 at 05:57 PM
Bob and Ann, we are so sorry. I know how much that house meant to you and your family. We are happy no one was hurt.
Posted by: Tim on Aug 16, 2008 at 03:04 PM
It is the Clays home
Posted by: Anonymous on Aug 16, 2008 at 11:32 AM
I lived on Lick Creek Road all of my life and my family still does. This whole fire situation just seems very weird to me. There are many strange people walking up and down that road at all hours of the day every time I am at my parents house. I believe there is more going on than the authorities are letting people know. I hope they get to the bottom of this because I am worried about my family being safe
Posted by: Ashlander on Aug 16, 2008 at 11:24 AM
I was driving down 23 yesterday evening from Catlettsburg towards Ashland and happened to look across the river I couldn't believe what i saw you could see flames shooting above the trees and smoke bellowing out and across the river it was the biggest fire i have ever seen! My thoughts and prayers are with the family which I'm sure lost so much!
Posted by: Callie Taylor on Aug 16, 2008 at 09:59 AM
We were watching the whole thing from our drive ways. It was the biggest fire I've ever seen in my life.
Posted by: wvgirl on Aug 16, 2008 at 09:25 AM
To Betty & South Pointer: The sad truth is "shady characters" are showing up in ALL neighborhoods. Slowly people who make us suspicious and nervous are moving in next to our loved ones and our children. It is sad to say but we are in no way as safe as we used to be. Protect your family and property the best way you know how. We should pray for our enemies, for when we do so we gain stregnth over them. I am so sorry for the loss that will never be forgotten. I am thankful no one was at home to be futher traumatized or injured.
Posted by: Scott Holmes on Aug 16, 2008 at 08:25 AM
Does anyone know the address or owners surname?
Posted by: Gail on Aug 16, 2008 at 08:01 AM
My prayers go out to these families. I could not imagine having to go thru this. I live very close to the log home and have met the owners a few times and they are VERY VERY friendly couple - I am absolutely heartbroken.
Posted by: South Pointer on Aug 16, 2008 at 07:54 AM
My heart goes out to the families of both homes. I have personally "been there". I agree that there are some shady characters in the vicinity as of late. I do, however, wish everyone luck with finding out what is going on. The State Fire Marshall might be able to help you out but don't hold your breath when it comes to Lawrence County's "Finest". They are way too busy chasing shadows that won't "strike back" and "sweeping things under the rug".
Posted by: maynard on Aug 15, 2008 at 11:28 PM
does anyone no if that is shaffer house?
Posted by: Betty on Aug 15, 2008 at 10:58 PM
I have lived on County Road 15 for MANY MANY MANY years, and nothing of this nature has ever happened!!!! To make this situation even more heartbreaking there was another house fire last night. That is two fires in less than twenty four hours. I think we are all asking questions out this road as to why we are no longer as safe as we once thought we were. Speaking for myself, there is constantly someone odd walking down this road, and this is not a walking style road!!!! There is something fishy about this whole situation and I hope that the authorities get to the bottom of it all! My heart goes out to these families!!!!
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