Local businessman killed in fire

A fire on Monday claimed the life of former businessman, Hayes Borden. Officials are still investigating the cause of the fire.

An early morning fire claimed the life of a Russellville resident and long-time businessman on Monday, officials said.

According to Russellville Fire Chief Joe Mansell, Hayes Borden, 79, died in a fire that started at his Lawrence Street residence sometime Monday morning.

According to reports, Borden’s son, Ralph, who lived in the house directly behind Borden’s, came in the back door to check on his elderly father about 7:40 a.m., but when he turned on the lights, he noticed they were covered in black soot.

Ralph Borden went to get a flashlight and, when he returned, he found his father lying in the floor of the living room surrounded by smoke and ash, so he called 911.

“When we arrived on the scene, the fire was pretty much burnt out,” Mansell said. “There was still heavy smoke and heat on the inside, but the fire had already reached the point where it didn’t have any oxygen and had basically put itself out.”

Mansell said the fire appeared to have started in the front of the house in the living room area where the fire was contained.

Borden, who owned an appliance business in Russellville for many years, lived in the house alone.

“We’re waiting on the State Fire Marshal’s Office to do our investigation all at once,” Capt. Steve Thornton said. “At this time, the fire appears to be accidental but we just have to verify everything before going any further.”

Thornton said as standard protocol, Borden’s body would be sent for an autopsy to determine the exact cause of death.

The fire is still under investigation.