By ADAM STEWART

Staff writer

Despite a house fire on Christmas Day, Jack Branson of Marion tries to look on the bright side.

He said Thursday that he is grateful he lives in a small town and for all the offers of assistance he received.

“Everybody’s been really helpful,” he said.

Neighbors helped Branson save some items before the fire — which began in the roof of the house he rented at 221 S. Garfield St. — spread to the main floor. Other people donated furniture and other necessities.

“I have a lot of thank-yous to write,” he said.

He also said he appreciated Marion Fire Department’s fast response, even on the holiday.

“Those guys made this a lot easier,” Branson said.

Branson was home with his 1-year-old daughter, Izabell, when he smelled smoke. It was Izabell’s second house fire this year. In October, Izabell was with her mother, Stephanie Jacobson,when the family home at 503 S. Cedar St., Marion, burned. Nobody was home at the time.

The fire on Christmas Day didn’t bother Izabell, Branson said.

“She had no clue,” he said. “She wasn’t scared at all.”

Branson said the only things he still needs to replace are little things that he doesn’t think about until he needs them. He expects insurance will cover some of his losses.

“I’ve always carried renter’s insurance,” he said.

He moved into a different rental home in Marion on Dec. 26. Branson works at Circle D in Hillsboro

After conducting an investigation by phone, the state fire marshal’s office determined the fire was caused by an electrical problem in the house, Marion Fire Chief Mike Regnier said Dec. 29.

The property is owned by Eldon Hett of Marion. Marion County Commission approved a request by Hett to waive transfer station fees for debris from demolishing the house, contingent on the property getting a clear inspection for asbestos. Commissioners created the program in March.