HARTFORD — The State Fire Marshal’s Office said the cause of a fire that destroyed the farmhouse and barn of town historian Lorraine Parsons this week will likely remain undetermined because of the extensive damage.

Sgt. Ken Grimes said Friday that he was able to pinpoint the origin of the fire to the L-section between the house and the barn.

“Unfortunately, due to the extent of the damage, I can’t really determine a cause,” Grimes said.

The fire was reported late Wednesday afternoon. A witness said Parsons had been tending her cows when she discovered the fire.

Parsons and her cows escaped the fire unharmed.

Deputy Chief Jason Vaughan of the Canton Fire Department said Wednesday night that the fire started in the barn, but spread to the house “within minutes.”

mdaigle@sunmediagroup.net

Flames destroyed the wood-framed farmhouse of Hartford historian Lorraine Parsons on Wednesday afternoon. The cause of the blaze on Main Street will likely remain undetermined, according to Sgt. Ken Grimes of the State Fire Marshal’s Office. (Sun Journal file photo)


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