The Daily Item, Sunbury, PA

November 20, 2008

Fire update: Montour County fire victim had no insurance

Karen Blackledge

By Karen Blackledge

The Danville News

COOPER TWP. — A Cooper Township man, who was building a home around his mobile home, had no insurance and lost everything, according to Danville Fire Chief Mark Fry.

Steve Troutman II, 57, and his son, Steve III, in his 20s, were left homeless by the blaze Wednesday afternoon.

Fry called the house a total loss but hasn’t estimated the damage yet. He has asked a state police fire marshal has been asked to investigate the cause.

Family members said at the scene the fire may have started from a wood stove in the home in an isolated area off Tower Road.

On Thursday, Danville Area Red Cross officials met with the Troutmans and provided them with food and clothing, executive director Betsy Petersen said.

The Troutmans are staying with family members in the Danville area.

They were able to save their three dogs from the home.

The father and son were treated in Geisinger Medical Center on Wednesday.

E-mail comments to kblackledge@thedanvillenews.com.