PAYNESVILLE -- A home in rural Paynesville was destroyed in a fire Sunday despite the efforts of firefighters who were at the scene for nearly 15 hours.
The Paynesville Fire Department responded to the fire at 1:23 a.m. at 19253 Rosemary Road in Eden Lake Township. They were on the scene until 4 p.m.
The home, about 6 miles east of Paynesville on Pirz Lake, was fully engulfed in flames by the time crews arrived, according to Jack Winter, Paynesville fire chief.
"We attacked it the best we could," said Winter. "It was a struggle to maintain water flow."
At 8:20 a.m. mutual assistance was requested from the New London Fire Department. Fire departments from Richmond and Eden Valley also provided assistance.
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The house was a total loss, said Winter.
The homeowner, Timothy John Griffin, 62, was alerted to the fire by smoke detectors and was able to escape without injuries, said Winter. His wife was gone for the weekend.
The fire has left the couple homeless, said Winter.
The Paynesville Rescue squad and ambulance service were also at the scene.
The fire is under investigation by the Stearns County Sheriff's Department.
-- Carolyn Lange
