Canoe, Ala. house fire leaves two dead

CANOE, Ala. (WALA) - On the Saturday before Christmas, a small wood-frame home on Sycamore Road was reduced to a smoldering pile of rubble.

Officials said it all began just after 5 a. m., when the homeowner Perry Buckhault, 58, was loading or lighting a wood burning heater.

They believe he then somehow caught on fire, and from there, the flames spread throughout the home.

Another person, identified as Leanna Redmond, was killed, along with Buckhault. Buckhault’s wife Ida Mae, reportedly tried to put out the fire but was forced to escape.

Fire departments from all over the area arrived on scene but the entire home was nearly burnt to the ground.

The tragedy has left family and friends with more questions than answers - now spending the holidays without their loved ones.

Ida Mae suffered minor burn injuries and was evaluated by EMS at the scene.

The Alabama State Fire Marshall's Office is now investigating the blaze.