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Show Stste rress p--' . (' "..- - . . . . , ,,. ..... -....... - T - ' mmmm,jMmm")bA .-v"""- ..-iiMm .l " Gutted The Rodney Brady home in Cedar Valley was completely destroyed by fire early Saturday morning. Fire fighting efforts were hampered by lack of water. Faulty wiring was the apparent cause of a fire that completely destroyed the home of Rodney Brady in the early morning hours Saturday. The home was located in the Hidden Valley Ranchos approximately 12 miles north of Cedar City. Damage was estimated by Cedar City Fire Chief David Bentley at $60,000. The home was estimated at $40,000 and the contents including all personal belongings and household furniture was estimated at $20,000. "We had three strikes against us as we responded to the call," Chief Bentley stated. The call came at 3:40 a.m. Saturday morning and 20 men and three pumpers were dispatched to the fire, he said. Home ablaze By the time the fire department could respond the entire roof was ablaze and flames were shooting from the lower rooms of the two-story dwelling. Secondly the building was an older home-estimated at 80 years old -- that had been moved from Cedar City to the Valley and was "tinder dry," Bentley said. And finally, "There was just not adequate water. This was a 30,000 to 40,000 gallon fire and we had 2500 gallons-the amount available on the units," Bentley said. Chief Bentley indicated that they tried to force the fire back up the steps in an effort to preserve the lower floors but the lack of water made it impossible. Eventually the department was able to hook a pump well into the pumping system" but that gave us only enough water for a one and one-half inch line and a booster-just enough to keep the fire down and control the perimeters," he said. Alarm system According to the Chief a smoke alarm system was responsible for arousing the family and making them aware of the fire. "The fire is further evidence," Bentley said, "that we need to develop a firmer policy regarding fire portection in developments in the county. I'm going to the county and ask that building permits in the county not be issued unless there is evidence of above ground water storage and adequate hydrants." Chief Bentley expressed his appreciation ap-preciation for the cooperative efforts of the Sheriff's Department and particularly to Deputy Slack who was on the scene direting traffic an-.?, assisting with the evacuation of the family from the home. His help was invaluable," Bentley said. |