Welding sparks in a shed behind the home at 300 W. Oklahoma Ave. caused an early morning house fire in Hennessey last week.

The fire was reported at about 4 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 6, and totaled the shed, house, carport and two vehicles.

“But the fire started earlier,” said Fire Chief Brandon Scott.

Welding sparks started the fire the night before in some nearby clothes and a mattress, the chief said in his report.

“They thought the fire was out, went to bed and the fire reignited,” Scott said.

There were reports from others at the fire scene that Bob Hillbolt woke up and alerted the three others to the fire and they all survived.

In addition to Hillbolt, others living there were Keri Hillbolt Keel, her husband Jamie Keel and Autumn Pitts.

There was reportedly no insurance on the three totaled structures.

There were also some fire damages to the house next door west of the original fire, the fire chief said.

The family’s three dogs also made it out safely and there was a bystander report that two of the dogs went back into the house but got out.

“Unsure if their cats got out,” said the chief, “but they probably did because the family said there were exits available.”

Hennessey Fire Department responded immediately and was soon joined by Dover and Waukomis firefighters.

A few hours after all fire equipment left the scene, the fire reignited and local firefighters responded.

Travel Trailer is Now Home

The Keels and Autumn Pitts are currently living in a travel trailer and both of the Keels are still working. Jamie Keel works in the water department for the Town of Hennessey and Keri Keel at the Great Salt Plains Medical Clinic in Enid.

No information about Bob Hillbolt was available Monday evening.

The burned house was the childhood home for both Bob Hillbolt (1981 HHS grad) and Keri Hillbolt Keel (1992 HHS grad).

The property had belonged to Bob and Keri’s late mother, Jyneeta (Shaw-Hillbolt) Casteel.

She was a longtime leader in the community and local Lioness Club.

Their uncle is former Hennessey Mayor Mike Shaw.

How You Can Help Family

The American Red Cross came in and gave the family initial help, but there are other ways to help since there was no insurance on the property or personal items:

• Keri’s oldest daughter, Kali VonSchultes, started a GoFundMe page listed under Keri Hillbolt Keel.

• Contributions may be made to Hennessey’s CAT (Community Action Team) at Hennessey’s Community State Bank (list Keels on your check).

• Friends have asked for help with donations of clothing, bedding, towels and small kitchen appliances.

That list can be found on Facebook and donated items may be taken to Hennessey Town Hall (405-853-2416).