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NORTH OGDEN - A family's home of more than 30 years was destroyed Saturday after a fire burned through the home for hours before crews could get the blaze under control.
Wade Hurd and his wife were alerted to the fire around 4 a.m. at their home on 282 East Lomond View Dr. when Hurd awoke to the smell of smoke. He awoke his wife and when he went to leave the bedroom saw a "wall of smoke" blocking their exit outside on the main level. They were able to climb upstairs, exit through a window in his wife's study, get on the roof and walk to the lower roof of their indoor pool and jump off onto the ground.
North View Fire Department fought the fire for approximately 10 hours before putting it out. Investigators estimate $1 million in damages to the home.
Fire investigators believe a spark from a hot water heater ignited some flammable liquid nearby. Hurd said he was working on a project Friday evening with the liquid when he spilled it and then cleaned what he believed to be all of it up.
Hurd was on-site and lighthearted about the fire, though he admits he won't stay that way for long.
"I'm doing fine," he said. "I'll go in shock tomorrow."
The Hurds were grateful that one thing was saved from the fire: 140 scrapbooks that Hurd's wife has been working on for 43 years. An insurance representative recommended they buy a safe to protect the scrapbooks last year, which the couple did. Hurd also expressed gratitude to the many friends who extended help throughout the day.
The family has insurance, and Hurd says they plan on rebuilding in the same spot. They say this is their home, it's been their home for 37 years, and it's where they want to be.
