Published: August 07, 2008 11:25 am            

Arson suspected in residenial fire Thursday

Homeowners out of town when blaze occurred

By Samantha Swindler / Managing Editor

Officials are investigating a Wednesday house fire on Roy Kidd Avenue as a possible act of arson.

Corbin firefighters responded to a fire at 519 Roy Kidd Wednesday evening, where black smoke was rolling out of the windows and an open front door. Firefighters were able to save the structure, though it suffered smoke, water and some fire damage inside.

After extinguishing the blaze, acting Fire Chief Barry McDonald called in Corbin Police Capt. Tim Helton to investigate.

“The origin or origins of the fire appears to be suspicious,” Helton said. “The fire is being investigated as an arson.”

Neighbors said the home belonged to Tom Stradley and his family, who were in Cincinnati at the time of the fire. No one was home when the fire occurred, and neighbors called 911 after seeing black smoke coming from inside the house.

The Stradleys had two cats and five dogs, and two of their pets are still missing — a black female pug named Nim and a grey and white house cat named Avery. Both are wearing blue collars. Anyone who spots the animals can call Mr. Stradley at 606-215-5553.

        

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