Calhoun Control dispatched the Grantsville Volunteer Fire Department around 1 a.m. for a structure fire in the 1700 block of Back Fork Road in the area of Big Springs. By the time crews arrived the home was fully engulfed.
The home was owned by 59-60 year old, Ronnie Richards, who is believed to have died in the fire; a body was located at about 3:30 a.m. His brother, Lyle Richards, told Ridgeview News that his son had come home about 1:15 a.m. and the home was on fire at that time from an unknown cause. Cpl. D.C. Moore of the WV State Police is the investigating officer as well as the WV State Fire Marshall.
On scene was: Grantsville VFD, Smithville VFD, and Minnie Hamilton’s Ambulance Service as well as the West Virginia State Police. Crews finally left the scene around 4:30 a.m.
Lydia Richards, sister of the victim, told Ridgeview News that she had contacted as many in the family as she could to make them aware. Mr. Richards had two grown daughters living in Roane and Wood Counties.
