(Red Oak) A funeral home in Red Oak was destroyed by fire this (Friday) morning.
Red Oak Fire Chief John Bruce says firefighters were dispatched to 410 N 6th Street, the Nelson-Boylan-LeRette Funeral Chapel, at 4:30 a.m. for a report of smoke coming from a building. The Red Oak Police Department and Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office arrived on scene and reported that the windows were hot and had begun to turn black. They also advised they could feel the heat coming from the building.
The first fire engine arrived on scene at 4:33 a.m. and reported a working structure fire. Automatic aid had been dispatched for Elliott and Stanton Fire Departments to respond. Crews made an interior attack and located heavy fire in the rear of the funeral home, as well as fire in the basement. Crews battled the fire on the first floor and then moved to the basement area. Crews also had considerable salvage and overhaul operations to complete.
Additional mutual aid was called in for firefighters from Shenandoah, Essex, and Villisca. Fire investigators from the Red Oak Fire Department and State Fire Marshall’s Office examined the scene and found the fire originated from faulty electrical wiring located in the basement.
Fire ground operations were terminated at 9:32 a.m. with a few Red Oak Fire Department personnel remaining on scene to assist with securing/removing property.
The structure is deemed a total loss at this time.
No injuries were reported.
Chief John Bruce extends a very special Thank You to the property owners Brian and Dawn LeRette, the assisting agencies and the public for the massive outpouring of support for the owners and fire crews with food and water.
