Fire Destroys Home, Couple Unharmed

LONGVIEW — A warm fire on a cold Friday night led to an early morning blaze that forced Eddie and Lena Noe out of their home on Lawson Street, Eddie Noe said. Neither occupant was injured � thanks to their dogs, but their home is in shambles. Noe said only he and his wife were at home at the time, and they got out as soon as they realized what was going on. Noe said he called the Longview fire department and moved their vehicles away to keep them from damage.

Four LFD engines, two trucks and a medical unit arrived on scene to fight the blaze. Longview Fire Marshall Johnny Zackary said the initial call came at 2:45 a.m. and the fire was under control by 3:50 a.m. However, crews had difficulty with the structure and the blaze wasn�t completely extinguished until after 5 a.m.

Zackary confirmed no one was injured and said the fire originated in the living room. The department has not determined the cause. Zackary estimated the fire caused about $160,000 worth of damage, but said that figure might still be low. Noe feared his home could be a total loss.