Home destroyed by fire despite best efforts
Despite the efforts of several fire departments, a Kings Lane home in south Oneida was destroyed by fire Thursday morning.
Four fire departments responded with equipment and manpower to battle the blaze, which was located just off Marcum Road. The home reportedly belonged to Robert and Kim Wilhite. The fire began at around 9:30 a.m., and kept firefighters busy for nearly four hours, into the early afternoon.
Oneida Fire Department was the first on scene, only to find that the home was fully engulfed by the time they arrived. OFD immediately called for assistance from Mid-County Volunteer Fire Department, and Seventh District Volunteer Fire Department also responded to the scene.
Later, the assistance of Winfield Fire Department was requested and received.
Tankers from Oneida, Winfield and Mid-County fire departments were used to shuttle water from hydrants at the nearby Boys & Girls Club while firefighters battled the flames.
Reportedly, several oxygen tanks located in or near the residence exploded as the fire burned.