Suffolk News-Herald

A Kilby Avenue man and his 17-year-old son were burned out of their home early Friday morning, and they have no renter’s insurance to help replace the possessions they lost in the fire.

Fred Hicks had lived at 600 Kilby Avenue for the past 28 years, and he is being assisted with temporary housing by the Suffolk Chapter of the American Red Cross.

Hicks was at work when the fire broke out at 7:12 a.m., and his son was at the school bus stop when he happened to turn around and saw smoke billowing from the eaves of the house, then he called 911.

According to Suffolk’s Emergency Management Coordinator James T. Judkins, firefighters entered through the front door of the house and encountered heavy flames in the living room and kitchen. They quickly brought the blaze under control.

Fire investigators determined that the fire started on the rear enclosed porch, spread to the kitchen, living room, bathroom, and attic. The source of ignition is listed as undetermined and officials ruled that it was an accidental fire.

The house is owned by Hugh L. Holland Jr. Real Estate and it was valued at $15,700. Fire investigators said there is $8,000 in damage to the structure.