JAY – Fire destroyed the log cabin-style house of Justin and Liz Henry at 12 Look Brook Circle in North Jay, just south of Howie’s Welding on Route 4, on Friday despite efforts from five fire departments. No one was injured.

State fire investigators determined the fire started in the kitchen area around the stove, Jay Fire Rescue Deputy Chief Jim Shink said.

The young couple was at work and their 7-month-old baby was at daycare at the time of the 12:44 p.m. fire, he said.

The house was fully engulfed in flames when firefighters arrived on the scene, Shink said.

Billowing black smoke could be seen from routes 133, 2 and 4.

Neighbors watched firefighters work the fire from across the street as they used hoses with water at first to quell the flames shooting from the 1 -story building and water sprayed from Jay’s ladder truck down onto the roof of the house.

Foam was used later to prevent a rekindle of the fire, Shink said.

“I looked out and the house exploded,” said Sandi McAlpine, who lives down the street.

“My heart is still racing. The whole thing exploded. Flames were shooting out the front windows.”

She had heard a noise like a scream before the explosion, she said.

About 30 firefighters from Jay, East Dixfield, Livermore F alls, Livermore and Wilton responded to the scene with 10 trucks including five from Jay. A NorthStar Emergency Medical Services ambulance and personnel stood by.

Firefighters were still soaking burning areas as the Henrys arrived at Look Brook and walked hand in hand up the street to what was left of their house.

It was a total loss, Shink said.

He called the American Red Cross to help out the family, who are staying with relatives.

The family had insurance on the house, he said.