Fire leaves Burnham family homeless

Frank Jost, Sentinel Assistant Editor
BURNHAM — Four Burnham residents are receiving assistance from the American Red Cross after their Burnham home was damaged by fire early Sunday morning.


Emergency personnel were dispatched to the home of Rock and Marjorie Oburn, located along 4th Avenue in Burnham, around 1:44 a.m., said William Curry, battalion chief for Burnham Fire Co. Firefighters worked for more than two hours before clearing the scene around 4 a.m., Curry said.


“The roof of the house sustained heavy fire damage, and the second floor of the dwelling sustained some smoke and water damage,” Curry said. “I’d estimate the cost of the damage to be about $25,000.”


Curry said no one was injured by the blaze, which likely was caused by a lightning strike during a severe thunderstorm that passed through the region early Sunday morning.


“Our investigation seems to indicate that lightning struck an exterior power line and then traveled into the house,” Curry said.


 According to a press release from the American Red Cross of the Susquehanna Valley, the Oburns and their two children, Danielle and Denton, are receiving assistance from the agency for lodging, food and clothing. Red Cross representatives plan to meet with the family to determine any additional disaster needs, the release states.    


Those wishing to help the Red Cross provide assistance by volunteering or making a contribution can contact the Red Cross of the Susquehanna Valley at 299-5561, 234-3101 or 248-4213, or visit www.sqvalleyredcross.org.


Burnham Fire Co. was assisted at the scene by units from Yeagertown, East Derry, Decatur, Junction, City Hook and Ladder, Belleville, West Granville, Brooklyn and United fire companies, as well as Fame EMS.