COAL GROVE — An investigator from the state fire marshal is expected today on the scene of an early morning fire that destroyed one house and damaged another.

According to Coal Grove Fire Chief Gary Sherman, the department received the call at approximately 4 a.m. of a fire at 2011 Dutey Drive.

“The fire was coming through the roof and the side of the house and caught the house beside it on fire,” Sherman said.

There was no one at home at the first house and two residents at the structure next door, who were able to get out without injury.

Also responding were volunteer fire departments from Upper, Perry and Elizabeth townships. Assisting also were the Coal Grove, Hanging Rock and Ironton police departments and the Lawrence County Sheriff’s Office.

“They all helped with traffic control,” Sherman said. “They took care of putting the schools on two-hour delay.”

Crews were on the scene for approximately four hours.