WILTON — A fire that destroyed a house at 796 Temple Road on Wednesday morning was caused by an electrical short in wiring in the kitchen area, according to Fire Chief Sonny Dunham.

The two-story house is owned by Kern Savage and his wife, Dunham said. They were not home when the fire was reported at 9:31 a.m.

About three dozen firefighters from Wilton, East Dixfield, Farmington, Jay, Livermore Falls and Temple responded to the fire.

“It’s a total loss,” Dunham said.  “There was no insurance.”

Firefighters put salvage covers on anything that could be saved, including guns and pictures. Most of what was in the house was destroyed.

Dunham called the American Red Cross to help the family.

State fire investigators have been contacted to help determine the cause of the blaze.

dperry@sunmediagroup.net

Firefighters battle a house fire Wednesday morning at 796 Temple Road in Wilton. Fire Rescue Chief Sonny Dunham said he called state fire investigators to help determine the cause, although it appears the blaze was caused by an electrical problem in the house’s wiring. (Donna M. Perry/Sun Journal)

A fire destroyed a house and most of the belongings of Kern Savage and his wife at 796 Temple Road in Wilton on Wednesday, Fire Chief Sonny Dunham said. There was no insurance. (Donna Perry/Sun Journal)

Firefighters from six towns fought a fire Wednesday morning that destroyed a house at 796 Temple Road in Wilton. (Donna M. Perry/Sun Journal)

Firefighters help each other with their air packs at the scene of a house fire on Wednesday morning at 796 Temple Road in Wilton. (Donna M. Perry/Sun Journal)