Early morning fire under investigation

WORLAND - A home fire that began in the early morning hours Monday is under investigation by the Worland Fire Department in conjunction with the State Fire Marshall's Office due to the extensive damage that occurred.

According to Worland Fire Chief Chris Kocher, the fire, at 1317 Airport Road was called in at 3:59 a.m.

Worland Fire and Worland Police responded with a WPD officer arriving in a matter of minutes and the fire department on scene at 4:07 a.m. At the time of arrival, Kocher said, the fire was already well involved.

Firefighters were able to keep the fire to the south end of the home. The home was being renovated and was unoccupied at the time of the fire, Kocher said. However, he said approximately 50% of the home has been compromised by fire damage.

There were no injuries and no other structures were threatened or damaged by the fire.

The Worland Fire Department responded with two engines, and tender, the ladder truck, a squad unit and two command units. Seventeen firefighters were on scene.

The ladder truck, purchased last year thanks to one-cent sales tax funding, "is a great asset to our community. It gave the firefighters the opportunity to address a roof that was in process of collapsing, and be able to work in safe environment, and to take the actions that were needed to suppress the fire."

Final resources left the scene at 3:47 p.m., Kocher said.

Washakie County Map Server with country landowner records shows the property is owned by Gerald and Lindsy Walls. It is a two-story home on 2.53 acres.

Kocher added that the department is always looking for additional firefighters to volunteer with the department. Anyone interested may contact the fire hall at 347-6379, or any firefighter, for more information.