The Herald-News - News Story

    A family in Spring City lost all their belongings after a fire destroyed their home on Dec. 3.
    Bobby Joe and Carol Berry and their two sons, ages 13 and 17, were at their home on Hudsell Lane when the fire started, according to Rhea County fire investigator Chuck Kinney.
    Bobby Joe and Carol Berry were watching TV in their living room when their 17-year-old son came into the room and said he smelled smoke, Kinney said. They walked to a bedroom to investigate, but when Bobby Joe opened its door, flames and smoke shot into his face, burning his eyebrows and lashes, he reported.
    Everyone got out of the house safely and called 9-1-1, but Bobby Joe didn't even have time to grab a pair of shoes, Kinney added.
    Rhea County Fire Districts 740, 745, 715 and 500 reported to the scene at 9:35 p.m. only to find smoke coming from the building. Shortly thereafter, the fire reached the attic area and firefighters saw flames burning from the attic, according to Kinney's report.
    The 25 fire responders were unable to extinguish the blaze because the flames had crept to the peak of the roof and were protected by a false ceiling, Kinney said. The roof was also unstable, so the firefighters could not put up ladders, further preventing them extinguishing the fire.
    Kinney determined the fire likely started in the above-mentioned bedroom - inside a closet. The most severe fire damage was located above a light in the closet, and the burn patterns indicated that the fire extended into the ceiling trusses, he said. From there, it likely spread to the peak of the roof.
    The Berry family lost everything they owned, and they did not have insurance on their belongings. The American Red Cross was contacted for support, Kinney said.
    Michelle Friesen can be reached at michelle.friesen@rheaheraldnews.com.