Cause of duplex fire still unknown

The source of a fire that heavily damaged a Radcliff duplex on Troy Avenue and displaced two families Wednesday is still unknown, Fire Chief Jamie Henderson said Thursday afternoon.

Hendersonhad not returned to the scene Thursday because of rain showers but planned to investigate the back deck, where he believes the fire originated. Henderson also wants to examine the electrical makeup of the structure, which may yield more clues to the cause, he said.

Hendersonsaid he does not believe the fire was arson.

Firefighters responded to the fire after 1 p.m. Wednesday, which had fully engulfed the rear of 694 Troy Ave. by the time crews arrived. The back porch was reduced to embers once the fire was doused.

After firefighters were on the scene, an explosion ripped out from the building, but Henderson said he is unsure of the cause.

None of the residents of the two homes were injuried from the flames, but one man suffered a toe laceration after jumping through a window to escape, according to Radcliff Police Department spokesman Bryce Shumate. The American Red Cross provided food and clothing for the families and temporarily set them up in a motel.

Hendersonsaid one firefighter received minor burns to his face and neck while fighting the blaze. Vine Grove Fire Department and Hardin County EMS also responded.

Marty Finley can be reached at (270) 505-1762 or mfinley@thenewsenterprise.com.