Vermont State Police On 07/02/19 at approximately 0853 hrs. the Brandon Fire Department responded to a reported structure fire at the above stated address. Upon their arrival, firefighters were met with heavy fire conditions throughout this structure. The fire was quickly brought under control with no further spread of the fire to surrounding properties or structures. The Brandon Fire Chief contacted the Vermont Department of Public Safety Fire and Explosions Investigation Unit to assist with the origin and cause investigation into this fire. Detectives from the Vermont State Police and an Assistant Fire Marshall from the Vermont Division of Fire Safety responded to the scene in the morning hours of 07-02-19 to initiate an Origin/Cause investigation. There were no reported injuries at this fire nor was anyone home at the time of this fire. Numerous pets are believed to have perished in the fire. One dog, one cat, and one kitten were rescued from the fire. There are still 5 cats, 3 kittens, and one dog unaccounted for at this time.
Examination showed that this fire started in the area of a rear B side bedroom wall. The fire quickly spread under the residence, and upward into the eves and into the attic area of the structure. Within this area investigators located several potential sources of ignition, that being an air conditioner, the circuit wiring in that wall, and the outlet for the air conditioner. It is unknown what the exact electrical incident that may have occurred could have been. Further testing will need to be conducted to confirm or disprove this finding.
After examination and investigation of the scene the fire is considered UNDETERMINED. Investigation is ongoing at this time. This investigation is pending further information and investigation. The residence is considered to be a total loss. The damage is estimated to be in excess of $100,000.00 It should be noted that the family was in Hawaii on a vacation provided to them by the “Make a Wish Foundation”.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Det. Sgt. Tom Williams at the Rutland Barracks or call the Arson Tip Award Line at 1-800- ARSON. If information is provided that leads to an arrest, up to $5000.00 could be awarded.
VERMONT STATE POLICE
CASE#: 19B402888
STATE OF VERMONT
DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY FIRE INVESTIGATION UNIT
VERMONT STATE POLICE – RUTLAND BARRACKS
INVESTIGATORS: Detective Sr./Sergeant Thomas Williams-VSP, Detective Sergeant Steven Otis-VSP, Detective Sergeant Todd Ambroz-VSP, Assistant State Fire Marshal Josh Maxham - Division of Fire Safety
STATION: Rutland
CONTACT# 802-773-9101
DATE/TIME: 07/02/19 @ 0853 hrs.
INCIDENT LOCATION: 38 Newton Rd., Brandon, VT
INCIDENT: Residential Structure Fire
VICTIM: Brandi and Ken Backus
CITY, STATE OF RESIDENCE: Brandon, VT
DETECTIVE SR./SGT. THOMAS WILLIAMS
(CFEI, ProBoard CFI, NYS LVL I & II CFI)
VERMONT STATE POLICE
BUREAU OF CRIMINAL INVESTIGATIONS
FIRE & EXPLOSIONS INVESTIGATION UNIT
(RUTLAND BARRACKS EVIDENCE OFFICER)