Investigation continues in house fire

The cause of a fire that destroyed a Topaz Ranch Estates home on Monday is still under investigation.

The fire at 3939 Granite Way destroyed the home belonging to Thomas and Charlotte Hodge. The couple was not home when the fire started at about 3:15 p.m.

Multiple callers reported smoke coming from the home. Firefighters arrived at the home within minutes and knocked the fire down.

They found the east end of the home engulfed in flames fanned by winds.

Firefighters prevented the fire from devouring the rest of the home or spreading to the surrounding brush.

East Fork Fire & Paramedic Districts Deputy Chief Steve Tognoli said the fire started on the leeward side of the home and was sheltered from the wind.

"That and the quick response time kept the home from burning down," he said.

The Hodges were not at home when the fire started. No one was injured in the fire.

Charlotte Hodge said the couple has been receiving support from several quarters.

"We've received lots of offers of help," she said. "People here are just wonderful."

Most of the home's contents were destroyed in the blaze, but firefighters did manage to rescue a few saddles and some furniture.

Power and gas have been cut off to the home, which Tognolli said is not habitable.

Firefighters remained at the scene for several hours to make sure hot spots have been extinguished.

East Fork Capt. Terry Taylor said the cause of the fire is still under investigation.

The Hodges have owned the home for more than 20 years, according to the Douglas County Assessor's Office.

In addition to East Fork, firefighters from Antelope Valley and Smith Valley responded to the fire.