House fire and death in Southern WV

WV Sawmiller · February 12, 2020, 10:24:04 PM

One of my wife's co-workers died in a house fire here 2 days ago. He was a HS biology, Science and Driver's Ed teacher and coached and took care of the sports medicine for the teams. He had retired 8-10 years ago and his wife had died 5-6 years ago. He was well respected and beloved by many here. I last saw him about a year ago when I went to pick up my Amish farrier to trim my mule's toenails. Mike evidently contracted to drive the Amish in the area and he was there while I was. The fire is still under investigation but it sounded like he read and stacked newspapers around the house and possibly got some too close to a wood heater or such.

To all members just take this time to remember to check your home fire safety measures and be careful.

Southside · February 12, 2020, 11:10:15 PM

Howard, I am terribly sorry to hear of such a terrible tragedy. My prayers are with his friends and family.

SawyerTed · February 13, 2020, 06:49:14 AM

Sorry you and your community lost this friend and teacher. It's a tragic loss. God be with all who grieve his death.

firefighter ontheside · February 13, 2020, 07:21:39 AM

Sorry to hear this WV. When folks are older and living alone it's hard to know what they are doing. We see it often where they are collecting things like newspapers and it ends up becoming a fire hazard. Not only does it become fuel, but it makes it hard for us to find them.

Old Greenhorn · February 13, 2020, 08:42:07 AM

These losses are always hard to take and so preventable these days. SO sorry your community is having to go through this.

Resonator · February 13, 2020, 11:31:28 AM

Sad to hear of the loss. As I write this, my church is helping put together a benefit for the families of two tragic house fires recently.
A few reminders:
Keep your fire extinguishers charged and ready.
Have your (wood burning) chimney cleaned and checked.
Keep your (gas/oil) furnace exhaust vent clear of snow.
Test your smoke/CO2 alarms regularly, replace batteries yearly.
Replace smoke alarms 10 years after date of manufacture printed on label.
Keep your exists clear of snow, or anything else that could block them in an emergency.