Staff Writer
MARS HILL – A local family is homeless, following a Tuesday afternoon fire on Benjamin Street.
“The fire started around 4:30 p.m. on Dec. 11 at the home of Mike Hardgrove at 55 Benjamin St.,” said Assistant Fire Chief Darrell Wilson, of the Mars Hill Fire Department.
Wilson said the two-story structure was home to a family of three. Hardgrove and his wife were the only ones home at the time of the blaze and left the residence as soon as they realized there was a fire.
“About 20 firefighters from two departments were on scene,” said Wilson.
The Bridgewater Fire Department provided mutual aid, including a pumper truck and crew. No one was injured as a result of the fire. Wilson said the home was not insured.
“The home is a total loss. It was valued at around $17,000,” said Wilson.
No cause had been determined at presstime.
“The cause remains under investigation. The Fire Marshall’s Office sent investigators up from downstate. They will be looking at the site to try to determine what started the fire,” said Wilson.
Wilson said the American Red Cross had been notified. The Hardgroves were believed to be staying with family in the Presque Isle area.
Photo courtesy of Tomi Henderson
THE HOME of Mike Hardgrove at 55 Benjamin St. in Mars Hill was destroyed by fire Dec. 11. According to Assistant Fire Chief Darrell Wilson of the Mars Hill Fire Department, the two-story structure was home to a family of three. Hardgrove and his wife were the only ones home at the time of the blaze and left the residence as soon as they realized there was a fire. No one was injured, and the cause remains under investigation.
