The Perry Volunteer Fire Department staged a structure-fire training exercise Saturday morning, burning the house at 2402 Willis Ave. to the ground.
The house is owned by Robyn Reitz of Perry, who had tears on her face as she stood next to her daughter, Miranda Reitz, watching together as the structure was consumed by the flames. The home was badly damaged by fire March 1.
“A burn like this gives our crew a chance to test all the nozzles and valves and get a good feel for the hoses when they’re under high pressure,” said Perry Volunteer Fire Department Chief Chris Hinds of Perry.
The fire crew were also able to practice various technical methods of firefighting, he said.
By noon the house was fully engulfed, and a crowd of onlookers gathered nearby. Hinds said the training exercise was a success, and the house was burned with no damage to neighboring structures.
Oftentimes, a little good comes from the bad. Still, I’m sure this had to be rough for the family. I worry so much about many of the older domiciles here built before our present city codes were in effect. My understanding is such was the case here. No disrespect or blame to the family that last owned the house intended.