Two women escape fire that destroys log home in Clinton

 

CLINTON—Two women escaped a fire that destroyed a log home in Clinton on Friday morning, authorities said.

The fire at the two-story log home was reported at about 9:50 a.m. Friday on Riverview Drive in south Clinton.

One adult female inside at the time of the fire jumped from the second floor to escape, said Jeff Little, assistant chief of the Clinton Fire Department. She had what appeared to be minor injuries on Friday morning, Little said.

The woman’s mother also escaped from the fire.

The house was completely on fire when rescuers arrived, and it was destroyed, Little said. He said the damage could be about an estimated $150,000. A few vehicles burned also, Little said.

The cause of the fire, which was still under investigation Friday morning, wasn’t immediately clear.

Little said a resident reported that she opened the front door and saw flames, although firefighters hadn’t been able to confirm that.

The Clinton Fire Department responded with three fire engines and about 20 firefighters. Including volunteers, there were about 30 firefighters there, Little said. It took them about 25 minutes to bring the fire under control.

The Red Cross responded, and volunteer Sharon Crane was helping the family.

Late Friday morning, after the fire was under control, a backhoe was brought in to start tearing down the home, which was still smoking.

Smoke from the fire, across the Clinch River from downtown Clinton, was visible for miles.

More information will be added as it becomes available.