A family is without a home after an afternoon fire laid waste to the structure situated just beside a Harrison County Church. According to the Harrison County 911 log, the call for the fire went out at 2:41 p.m.

 

The Bridgeport Fire Department responded to the call, but was joined by several other agencies as part of the mutual aid agreement to handle larger blazes. Bridgeport Fire Chief Phil Hart said no one was severely hurt and indicated three individuals – including one youngster – live at the house and there were two there at the time of the fire. Those there included the child and an adult male.

 

There were no emergency transports. Hart said the male and the youngster, which he described as a teenager, were treated on the scene for smoke inhalation. Both, he said, refused transfer for medical treatment.

 

Bridgeport was joined by Stonewood, Anmoore, Nutter Fort and Flemington Fire Department, while the Anmoore EMS was also on the scene.

 

The fire was located on Heavens Way, which is just off of Ocean Mines Road. That road is just off of Lodgeville Road in Bridgeport.

 

Fire fighters were still on the scene at 3:30 p.m. and apparatus was still arriving to fight the blaze at roughly the same time. The home, located directly beside the Lodgeville Baptist Church, had fire shooting from the front porch door and from under the roof before fire personnel began to engage the blaze.

 

The home also had several animals outside. Fire department personnel were seen removing two cats, both alive, from the home and gave them to an individual standing outside of the structure.

 

"Unfortunately, two cats perished in the blaze," said Hart.

 

As for the cause, it's unknown. Hart said the fire started in the basement where it was contained to that area and the front porch. The rest of the house suffered extensive heat, smoke and water damage.

 

"The home is not inhabitable," said Hart.

 

He said that the fire is not suspicious.