VINEMONT – Through social media, the victim of Saturday night's fatal house fire in the Vinemont-Providence community has been identified by family and friends as Kim Chumley, 51, of Vinemont. Those friends and family are using the platform to raise funds to both support Chumley's family and pay for her memorial service and burial expenses.
The investigation into the fire, in which Chumley's husband, Keith Chumley, was injured, is being conducted by the Alabama State Fire Marshal's Office, according to Cullman County Sheriff Matt Gentry. Keith Chumley, according to family, is hospitalized with burns and other injuries.
The blaze occurred at a residence at 105 County Road 1332 and was called in at approximately 9:30 p.m. Saturday. The fire was contained by 11:30 p.m., at which time firefighters from the Vinemont-Providence Volunteer Fire Department discovered a body and Cullman County Coroner Jeremy L. Kilpatrick was called in.
Kilpatrick confirmed that the body was sent to the state forensics lab in Huntsville for autopsy and identification. Official identification of the body has not been made at this time.
When reached for comment, Alabama State Fire Marshal's Office Public Information Officer Steve Holmes confirmed that the fire marshal's office is handling the investigation, but that no details are available yet about the cause of the blaze or any other matter pertaining to the case.
Firefighters on the scene noted that the blaze was "extremely hot and burned really fast." The house was a total loss.
The Gold Ridge Volunteer Fire Department also assisted on the scene.
To make a donation, visit:
https://www.gofundme.com/funeral-expense-for-kim-chumley
or
https://www.gofundme.com/kayla-carden-family-fire-victim?ssid=812475826&pos=1
Photo from Alisha Merriman via GoFundMe.com
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