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Last Updated: 03/03/2005

The Rockbridge Report is produced under the supervision of the Dept. of Journalism and Mass Communications at Washington and Lee University.
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Lead supervisor:
Prof. Claudette Artwick

Reporting supervisors: Prof. Doug Cumming

Prof. Bob de Maria

Technical supervisor:

Michael Todd

Lexington fire brings out fire departments from the entire area

By Ashley Metzloff

The roof of 310 Jackson Ave., home of Brian and Jeanne Counihan, erupted into flames last Saturday afternoon, leaving the house with significant water and smoke damage and no roof.

One Lexington firefighter said renovators were burning paint from under the eaves of the house with heating tools. He believes the fire may have been caused by overheated attic insulation.

William O’Brien of the Lexington Life Saving Crew said there were no serious injuries. One firefighter was taken to Stonewall Jackson for chest pains, but was treated and released.

Several members of the Lexington Fire Dept. were out of town when the fire broke out, but Kerrs Creek and Buena Vista responded to help extinguish the blaze. Lexington police and the Lexington Life Saving Crew were also present at the scene.

Kerrs Creek Fire Chief Tim Goodbar, who has been with the fire department for 36 years, called the fire “a pretty stubborn thing.” While Goodbar thinks the house is salvageable, he estimates damages of $300-350 thousand dollars.
“They had a lot of water damage to their personals, but there was a lot of useable stuff,” Goodbar said.

Tom O’Dell, priest in charge of R.E. Lee Memorial Episcopal Church where the Counihans attend, says many church members are pitching in to help the family through clothes and toy donations as well as childcare for the family’s two young children. “The response of the congregation has been a real inspiration to watch,” he said.

Brian and Jeanne Counihan and their two young children have been staying with Jeanne’s mother since the house burned.