Eastside Fire Destroys House

Updated: Sun 9:09 PM, Jul 25, 2004

The house was located in the 6300 block of Boatrace Road.

Fire authorities say the owner of the home, Fred Ortz, was inside at the time the blaze broke out. He tried to fight the flames as they overtook a den in the back of the house.

Firefighters had to physically pull him out after he was overcome by smoke.

Tommy Walls, Callaway Fire Chief, says the cause has not been officially determined, although there was nothing to indicate it was suspicious. The State Fire Marshall is looking into the blaze.

The Ortz's were supposed to have hosted a wedding shower for their daughter at the home just hours after the fire.

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