Monday, February 17th, 2014
Rockford home destroyed by fire
By Margie Wuebker
ROCKFORD - Dan and Brandy Weitzel arrived home Sunday afternoon to find their home engulfed in flames.
No one was injured; however, the home was destroyed.
Calls for help from the Weitzels and a passing motorist at 3:33 p.m. summoned firefighters from four departments to 2160 U.S. 33, just west of Jordan Road.
Rockford fire chief Rob Belna said flames and heavy smoke prevented the couple from entering the single-story house to retrieve belongings.
"There were flames and heavy flames throughout the structure," Belna said this morning.
Firefighters from Chattanooga, Willshire and Ohio City responded with tankers and manpower. About eight trucks and more than 30 firefighters responded. The Rockford crew remained on the scene for four hours.
Belna was unsure how many loads of water had to be brought from Rockford and Willshire to douse the flames.
The cause remains under investigation; Belna said the degree of damage complicates the process. No dollar loss has been determined. The Weitzels reportedly are insured.
Belna praised the services of the Mercer County Emergency Response Volunteers who provided traffic control.
The Weitzels are reportedly staying with family, according to Belna.
