Published: November 17, 2008 11:30 pm         

Fire destroys Oakwood house

OAKWOOD — A family is dealing with its losses after losing its two dogs and almost all of its belongings in an early morning house fire.

Oakwood Fire Protection District Chief Tony Frye said firefighters received the call of a blaze at 401 S. Scott St. at 6 a.m. Sunday.

The two-story blue home, owned by Shane Wynn, was engulfed fully upon arrival. Firefighters from Oakwood fought the difficult fire for more than nine hours, assisted by FMC, Kickapoo, Catlin and Bluegrass fire protection districts.

Firefighters were called back to the scene Sunday evening and again early Monday morning as a result of hot spots developing in several layers of smoldering shingles.

Frye said four vehicles — one in the garage, two parked in front and another next to the house — were lost as a result of the fire.

The Illinois State Fire Marshal’s Office was called in to investigate the blaze with the I and I Firefighters Association.

Frye said it appears the fire was caused by a wood fire pit in the breezeway of home. The pit had been lit Saturday night for a birthday party.

A fund has been set up at the United Community Bank to accept donations for people wanting to help Wynn and his family. Anyone with questions about donating can all 304-2254.

Frye said the family had received help from the local chapter of the American Red Cross and an Oakwood resident who had just bought a new car offered the family use of his old car, Frye said.