“Nothing left": 2 homes destroyed, health department damaged in Leslie County fire

Several buildings were destroyed or damaged in a fire in Leslie County Thursday afternoon.

Firefighters battled flames on Hickory Street in Hyden.

Two homes were destroyed. A third home was damaged, and the flames damaged the Leslie County Health Department as well.

The home where the fire initially happened went up in flames so fast that's what caused the damages to the homes on both sides. One of those homes was just damaged in the garage, the other had exterior damage but no internal damage. There was also some damage across the street due to the sheer intensity of the fire to the Leslie County Health Department. They had some shingles there melt.

"The flames were just humongous, you could see black smoke from up in town and I just got over here as quick as I could and got some of the real important stuff out," said Joey Jeffers whos girlfriend lives near the fire.

We are told a roof fell on one of the firefighters but he is expected to be okay. He was taken to the hospital as a precaution. No other injuries have been reported so far.

"But I think he's going to be okay, they took him to the hospital and I think he's gonna be okay," said John Newell, Thousandsticks Fire Department captain.

One family is now without a home because of the fire. For firefighters, in this small community, fighting this blaze hit too close to home.

"You know very different, very close friends they all are, very close friends of mine, and it broke my heart, I couldn't hold it in," said Newell.

Andy Davis, the homeowner's brother-in-law, says the family is still in shock.

“She is still pretty much in shock, numb. She’s lost everything she’s ever worked for," said Davis. “Just have to rebuild. Make a new home and do the best we can."

Davis says they are also getting by with some encouragement.

“The outpouring of support and the love that’s been shown from everybody in the community has been amazing. So many texts, phone calls, people showing up, offers of places to stay.”

Firefighters told WYMT that both of the families did have fire insurance and are expected to be covered in that regard.

We do not know what caused the fire at this time.

"I'm not going to speculate [the cause]. We're just staying on the scene until the hot spots are out," said one volunteer firefighter.