PARIS – Although Paris Deputy Fire Chief Willie Buffington has determined the cause of a fire that destroyed Harley Stevens’ Elm Hill farmhouse Monday, he has not been able to pin down where it started.
What is certain is that the fire started because Stevens was soldering pipes. Although the flames “apparently traveled from the basement to the barn,” Buffington said, “I haven’t had a chance to really sit down with the owner and determine where he was when he was soldering the pipes.”
The fire was ruled accidental Monday.
Stevens said he realized while soldering that he needed to make a quick trip to the hardware store. When he returned, the fire had already moved into the barn.
Stevens was unhurt, as were his two tenants. He was able to save his two horses and cows, but lost his two hunting dogs.
Stevens’ family put an recreational vehicle on the property Thursday for him to stay in for the next few months. He said he hopes to rebuild and be living in his house again by the holidays.
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