Sunday's Internet Edition, September 07, 2008.
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Spencer-Roane firefighters battle a blaze that destroyed a home on Jefferson Street Saturday morning.
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Publisher - A Spencer couple that went out for breakfast returned to find their home destroyed by fire.
Robin Shafer said she and her husband, Jerry, left the home at 817 Jefferson St. sometime after 10 a.m. Saturday to have breakfast at a downtown restaurant.
When they returned, flames had already gutted the home.
The couple heard fire sirens after they left, but never dreamed the fire was at their home.
Their dog, a 1-year-old Miniature Pinscher named Toby, was killed in the fire.
Spencer-Roane Volunteer Fire Dept. was alerted to the blaze at 11:07 p.m. and firefighters arrived on the scene at 11:18, according to SRVFD spokesman Lt. Ray Dietz.
Firefighters found the home engulfed in flames when they arrived. Firefighters reported that no smoke detectors were found in the home, which is owned by Larry Grimm of Spencer.
Heat from the fire also damaged three adjoining homes, a garage and a vehicle. The cause of the fire has not been determined.
Robin Shafer said she, her husband and their 18-year-old son, Shane, moved into the rental home the day after Christmas. They are currently staying with relatives.
Although they lived there less than two months, the outpouring of support from their neighbors has been overwhelming, she said. The family had no insurance on their belongings.
“We lost everything,” she said. “But the neighbors and the community have been great. Everybody has poured their hearts out.”
