>La Grande Observer | Union and Wallowa Counties' News Leader

Elgin, Imbler and La Grande Rural fire departments respond to blaze that renders house total loss

An Elgin Rural Fire Protection District firefighter battles a house fire that erupted Tuesday afternoon at the home of Tom and Margaret Leonard at 1093 Galveston St. in Elgin. The Observer/PAUL HARDER

About 12:20 p.m., fire broke out at the house owned by Tom and Margaret Leonard at 1093 Galveston St.

Margaret Leonard and her children were inside at the time, but escaped without injury. Cause of the fire is under investigation.

“There were already flames coming out the north and west windows. It got too hot in there,” Lynch said.

The Elgin Rural Fire Protection District responded to the fire, as did the Imbler Fire Department and the La Grande Rural Fire District.

The house was a total loss. The Red Cross assisted the Leonard family, finding them lodging at a local motel.

In 2005, Habitat for Humanity brought the house up to code through remodeling. The Leonards became the owners in August of that year.