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Fire Guts Washington Home Early Tuesday Morning

Last updated on Wednesday, December 11, 2013

(WASHINGTON) - The cause of a fire that caused extensive damage a Washington home early Tuesday morning is still under investigation.

The fire gutted Craig Geary's one story frame home at 411 NW 9th Street.

According to Washington Fire Chief David Rhoads, Geary was watching television when he heard the breakers start popping off and then noticed smoke.

Firefighters were alerted to the fire at 2:30 a.m. When they arrived, the fire was shooting through the roof.

Firefighters knew they couldn't save the home, but they needed to protect the neighboring homes and that is what they did.

Rhoads says the snow on the ground and the continuing snow storm complicated the battle.

"The area was slick and we had trouble getting around," Rhoads added.

Six off-duty fire fighters were called in to assist to contain the blaze.

The cause of the fire is electrical in nature, but Rhoads says they are taking a closer look into it.

"We didn't see any indications that he was using space heaters or anything that would be adding an extra load on the system," he added.

Rhoads says the walls to the home are still standing, but is unsure if the home can be saved because of the major damage.

Geary lost everything but the clothes he was wearing when he fled from the home. He has no insurance.

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