Cause of house fire undetermined

The Webster Progress-Times

The cause of a fire that severely damaged a house last week in the Dancy community remains undetermined.

The Mantee Volunteer Fire Department was dispatched at 5:09 a.m. July 19 to the house fire at 10728 Mississippi 15. No one was home when the first fire truck arrived 10 minutes later, said Fire Chief David Brand, who identified the owner as Karen Campanella.

Upon arrival, Brand notified dispatch and responding units that the home was fully involved on the north end, and requested additional help from Cumberland and Maben volunteer fire departments. Both departments quickly responded with additional fire trucks and manpower, he said.

Mantee firemen, along with help from Cumberland and Maben fire departments, fought the blaze for about 2 1/2hours, and spent an additional 5 1/2 hours on scene in an effort to prevent the blaze from rekindling.

Firefighters were able to prevent the fire from spreading to the dining room and kitchen portions of the house, according to Brand. The house was severely damaged by the fire, and the remaining portions suffered heavy smoke and water damage. Brand said the cause has not been determined.

Four engines, three tankers and two rescue vehicles were at the site from the three departments, with more than 30 firefighters responding. Brand said he and the Mantee community thank the firefighters for their hard work and dedication to the public.