Historic Mansion Gutted By Fire
Historic Mansion Gutted By Fire Save Email Print
Posted: 10:40 PM Jun 19, 2008
Last Updated: 2:06 AM Jun 20, 2008
Reporter: Angela Sparkman
Email Address: angela.sparkman@wymtnews.com

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A piece of history in eastern Kentucky goes up in flames.

The Enchanted Mountain Mansion near Paintsville caught fire late Thursday afternoon.

WYMT's Angela Sparkman was there as the homeowner returned from Florida to find his house in ruins.

Charred remains is all that's left of the Enchanted Mountain Mansion.

Owner James Green was on his way home from a Florida vacation, but when he pulled up, he discovered his home was destroyed.

Firefighters say the blaze spread quickly and was already out of control when they arrived.

Some home video shows just how bad it was.

“It was just out the roof. It was just a big blaze. We thought we had it, we had it controlled, and we ran low on water and it just accelerated,” West Van Lear Fire Chief, Bill Robinson said.

Firefighters say the hydrant didn't have enough water and then they had trouble getting enough truck loads of water quickly to the scene.

The fire raged for three hours.

No one was hurt, but firefighters say nothing was saved in the 12-thousand square foot building.

Investigators don't know how the fire started, but say they don't suspect foul play.

“Not at this point, but nothing's been ruled out. We're just beginning the investigation, so anything is still possible I guess, but there is nothing to indicate foul play,” KSP Arson Investigator Don Parker said.

Green and his family lost all they own.

Others say the community lost a gem full of memories.

Green says that's why he bought it two years ago, “I just always liked it and admired it, you know,” Green said.

Green doesn't know what he'll do now.

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Posted by: Deborah Location: Paintsville on Jun 20, 2008 at 04:26 PM
I know Mr Green personally and he has always been a prominant leader in our community. My deepest sympathy goes out to him and his family.

Posted by: jb Location: lexington on Jun 20, 2008 at 03:23 PM
When was the last time you saw a meth lab ina 12,000 sq ft. home??

Posted by: Lisa Location: Pike on Jun 20, 2008 at 03:08 PM
A meth lab? DO you honestly think any meth makers would have access to a home such as this? A security system such as he has would prevent someone "using the place." Green is a successful middle aged businessman, and not some backyard drug manufacturing druggie.

Posted by: Gary C on Jun 20, 2008 at 02:13 PM
this was not due to a meth lab or something like that was it???

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