A Saturday afternoon fire in Hartland, Vermont is currently under investigation, according to a press release from the VT State Police-Westminster Barracks.
At approximately 4:45 PM on Saturday, December 19th, a neighbor of Stephen (age 63) and Marlene (age 63) Murray saw flames rising from their home at 17 Independence Drive and contacted the authorities.
Upon the fire department’s arrival, the home was fully engulfed in flames. Reportedly, several local fire departments arrived on scene and, after relaying water from a nearby pond, were able to get the blaze under control. At this time, Hartland Fire Chief John Sanders requested assistance from the Fire & Explosion Investigation Unit.
On Sunday, December 20th, members of the unit responded to the scene of the fire and conducted their investigation. However, due to the extensive damage and total loss of the structure, the cause of the fire remains under investigation. Based on eye witness accounts, the origin of the fire appears to have been in the basement.
While the owners of the home, the Murray’s, were not home at the time of the incident, their six German Shepherd dogs were. All six were lost.
If you have any information regarding the fire, please contact Detective Sergeant Todd Ambroz at 802-878-7111 or by email at todd.ambroz@vermont.gov.
WNTK Local News 