By Clarke Davis
Valley Falls Vindicator – September 12, 2013
Submitted by Newz Group Clipping Service – September 19, 2013
Fire destroyed the family home of Ben and Casandra Branstetter early Saturday morning at 509 Elm, Valley Falls.
Ben Branstetter was awakened about 12:45 a.m. by smoke and flames in the upstairs portion of the house. He was able to roust their four children who were downstairs at the time and got everyone out of the house.
The entire house was a loss along with all the family’s possessions.
Casandra Branstetter was not home at the time. She operates a disc jockey service and was working at the time of the fire.
District No. 11 firefighters were assisted by neighboring departments Nortonville, Rock Creek, Effingham, and Ozawkie, Fire Chief John Gordon reported. The chief said the house was fully engulfed when they arrived. was not home at the time. She operates a disc jockey service and was working at the time of the fire.
Gordon said he cleared the station sometime after 6 a.m. He and state fire inspector Lamar Shoemaker were back at the scene after 8:00.
Gordon said the cause of the fire was ruled “undetermined.” The fire chief said one might assume it was wiring or electrical but the actual cause could not be pinpointed.
The couple’s children are Dominic, 13, Josie, 12, Marvin, 9 and Tamera, 8.
Heat from the fire scorched siding on the house on the south side that is the home of Robin Smith. It’s owned by Larry Burns.
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