Cottle fire ruled accident

Jasper Fire Marshal Stephen Wiliamson reported last week that the fire that damaged Kevin Cottle's residence on CR 247 on Thanksgiving has been ruled accidental.

Williamson said fire investigators with RVOS Insurance found the fireplace to be the cause of the fire.

"Again the words of wisdom that often fall on deaf ears - never leave a fire unattended," Williamson said. "If you are not able to stay with the fire, then the fire should be put out and the area cooled down with water to ensure the fire does not rekindle."