2/2/11 Cause of fatal Holmesville fire undetermined
Investigators with the Ohio State Fire Marshal believe the Holmesville fire that claimed the life of a young woman and two children may have been electrical in nature, or possibly started in the home's heating system.State Fire Marshal public information officer Shane Cartmill reported Tuesday/Feb. 1 that the cause of the Dec. 23 fire, at 8963 State Route 83, is officially classified as undetermined. However, Cartmill said “investigators could not rule out several accidental causes”, including “electrical malfunction” or “heating-related”. There was nothing to indicate the fire was set deliberately.
“There were multiple possibilities and our investigators were unable to pin-point an exact cause,” Cartmill said. “Basically, we are more than likely dealing with an accidental fire.”
The fire’s point of origin is believed to have been in a utility room. The mobile home was a total loss, leaving only a frame of charred beams.
Killed in the fire were Linzy Guerin, 18, Aaron Holskey, 5, and Brenda Holskey, 3. The children’s parents, Richard and Kristen Holskey, escaped the fire. Richard suffered burns and Kristen was transported to Pomerene Hospital for observation.
The fire marshal’s report included a finding that smoke detectors were not in use in the home.
The Holskey family rented the mobile home.
Linzy was a senior at Riverview High School.
The fire was reported at 2:45 a.m. and was fully involved when firefighters arrived. Linzy and the children were discovered by firefighters inside the home.
A fund to purchase essentials for the Holskey family has been established at PNC Bank. A benefit auction is also being planned for the family; for more information visit www.facebook.com/pages/Kids-Sale-in-Clark-OH/141026005945559?ref=ts.