FIRE DESTROYS HOME OF OAK RIDGE COUPLE

OAK RIDGE -- John Hitt picked the fruit off his grape arbor Sunday as he viewed the burned rubble of what had been his home.

For 50 years, the two-story frame, farmhouse had been home to John and Ruby Hitt.

But Saturday afternoon, fire destroyed the home at 319 County Road 457, about three miles southwest of Oak Ridge.

Firefighters from the Millersville Fire District responded to the scene. The North County and East County rural fire department also sent equipment.

But firefighters were unable to save the home. They did manage to save the Hitts' double garage, which was situated a few feet from the home.

Millersville Assistant Fire Chief Bob Smith said his department had six fire trucks and at least 10 firefighters battling the blaze.

Firefighters were at the scene well into the night to make sure that the fire was out. "We had a lot of hot spots," said Smith.

Smith said firefighters aren't sure what caused the blaze.

The fire was reported about 4 p.m. by the Hitts' son, Van, who lives about a mile away.

Van Hitt said he was outside when he first saw smoke.

"When I first saw it, I didn't know if my father was burning trash," recalled Van Hitt.

As he neared the home, he saw the house was on fire. Flames were coming from the attic at the rear of the house.

Van Hitt wasn't sure if his parents were at home. "I broke a front window to try and see if anybody was in there," he said.

But he was unable to enter the home. The heat and smoke were too intense.

Fortunately, his parents weren't at home. John and Ruby Hitt arrived back home after 5 p.m. to find their home on fire.

Van Hitt said the blaze could have been caused by an electrical problem. He said the fire raced through the old home. By 6 p.m., the home was destroyed and with it all of his parents' possessions.

Still, it could have been worse, Van Hitt said Sunday.

"I was just so relieved there was no one in it," he said. "There was no loss of life and that was a blessing in this whole thing."

Van Hitt said his parents plan to rebuild on the site.