
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: TUESDAY, January 31, 1995                   TAG: 9501310134
SECTION: CURRENT                    PAGE: NRV-2   EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY 
SOURCE: KENNETH SINGLETARY STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: FAIRLAWN                                  LENGTH: Medium

FAMILY IN `TAILSPIN' AFTER FIRE

Donna and Raymond Howell recently bought a new bed and box spring for their youngest son, Ryan. At 5 years old, it was time for him to have "a big boy's bed," Donna Howell said.

Sunday, the bed and most of the Howells' other possessions were destroyed in a fire. No one was injured, but the family lost an elderly cat and a cherished year-old dog, Zo, a Labrador and retriever mix.

"We're in a tailspin here," said Donna Howell on Monday. "It's completely awful."

The fire on South Drive occurred while the family, including four children, watched Sunday's football game at Raymond's mother's house in Radford. A neighbor smelled smoke and called the fire department.

The Howells returned to devastation.

"We need just about everything," Donna Howell said. The fire and smoke left toys and clothes "completely black." Windows and doors were busted out, and the television and video player had melted. Raymond Howell, a heavy equipment operator for Radford's Water Department and a country music singer and musician, lost his bass guitar.

The children, including Holly, 6; Samantha, 3; and Miranda, 11 weeks, are "scared, but they're trying to be brave," Donna Howell said.

The fire may have been caused by a faulty light in a closet, said Lewis Linkous, assistant fire chief in Fairlawn. Fourteen firefighters were on the scene for about two hours, he said.

The Howells, who have insurance on the house but not their furniture, stayed with Raymond's mother, Ramona Howell, Sunday and Monday. But they will have to find some place to live until their house can be rebuilt. They are hoping the county's social services office can help.

This setback is not the first for the family. Donna Howell has fought with cancer and Raymond Howell had a medical condition that called for a pacemaker. Both are 31.

"It seems like it's one thing after another with them," said Ramona Howell.

Ramona Howell is collecting clothing and other household needs for her family at her residence, 112 Sixth Ave. Her phone number is 639-5584.

by CNB