Fire destroys home on Highway W

Butler County firefighters spend four hours Sunday morning, June 25, fighting a blaze at 3700 Highway W, at a home owned by state representative Hardy Billington.

“The most important thing no one got hurt. That’s the amazing thing,” said Billington, who represents District 152 and is the Republican Majority Whip. “We are really glad no one got hurt. That’s the key, everything can be replaced.”

According to county fire reports, 10 firefighters responded to the fire at 12:53 a.m. and used 6,500 gallons of water as they battled the flames.

Billington explained, “I built the house for me, my wife and my kids in 1980. We moved when we built the house on Highway 67 in 1990, where we live now.”

The house was rented by Seirra Simpson. She and her four children lived in the house for 10 years. Her children are Kierra Hardin, 18, who had graduated from high school this year, Ahari Simpson, 17, Anzyia Johnson, 13 and Christopher Morris, 11.

When Simpson decided to go to church in Charleston before the fire, her three daughters were with other family members, but her son wanted to stay at home.

“I got someone to watch my son,” she said.

The son and his babysitter escaped the blaze, but the house was a total loss.

“It looks like it started on the carport, but no one knows for sure,” Billington said. His insurance company is investigating the fire.

While Billington has other rental properties, he did not have any three-bedroom homes available. He hoped to get enough money to rebuild the Highway W house.

“I may not get enough insurance to be able to do that, but I hope I do,” Billington said.

The family is currently staying at the Drury Inn. Simpson said she hoped to find housing before Thursday, when the family has to leave the Drury Inn. She was supposed to start a new job at T.J. Swift House, Inc. on Monday but she now plans to go to work Wednesday.

“We just need a place to live and clothes,” she said. “I have a sister, but her house is small. It is not a place we all can stay.”

She did not have renters insurance, but said anyone who would like to help may contacted her by email at kierrra7787@yahoo.com or by phone at 219-777-5432.