Second house fire strikes Kline family
Staff reporter
Two fires in three days involving one family.
It would be hard to imagine one house fire but the Kline family had a double dose this past week.
On March 24, the home of Mike and Patsy Kline at 102 E. Santa Fe, Marion, sustained significant smoke damage when an electrical fire in a room on the main floor caused smoke and some fire damage. The fire was extinguished before destroying the home but caused extensive damage to the interior.
The home of Eric Kline, Mike's brother, and Gretchen Reid at 216 N. Freeborn, Marion, appears to be a total loss when it burned Thursday. The cause of that fire was determined to be from an electronic appliance, Marion Fire Chief Mike Regnier said.
At the latest fire on Freeborn, Regnier said when fire crews arrived at 8:30 a.m., flames were visible.
Nine Marion firefighters battled the blaze with assistance from five Hillsboro firefighters.
Crews remained on the scene until noon.
"Our biggest concern, besides trying to save the Kline house, was saving the house next door," Regnier said.
Fire crews were able to keep the neighbor's house from harm with no damage reported.
The state fire marshal's office was contacted but Regnier said after officials heard his report, they determined there was no need to investigate since the cause was apparent.
Insurance adjusters continue to investigate both fires with no dollar loss amount yet determined.
Mike and Eric are the sons of John and Karen Kline of Marion.
Helping hand
Two relief funds have been established at Marion National Bank for the Mike and Patsy family and Eric Kline and Gretchen Reid family.
Cash donations are welcome to help offset expenses until insurance settlements are determined.
