After losing home to tornado, second home lost to fire

Photo by: Rantoul Fire Department

The scene of a fire on Sunday, Jan. 14, 2014, in Rantoul.

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RANTOUL - A couple who lost their home to the tornado that struck Gifford Nov. 17 lost a second home in Rantoul Sunday morning.

This time fire was the cause of the blaze at the home of Harley and Shirley LaBounty. Also living there was her mother, Emma Carpenter, at 1700 Eater Drive.

Harley LaBounty and Carpenter were at home at the time of the fire. They were not injured. Shirley LaBounty was at the home of her daughter recuperating at the home of her daughter following surgery.

The LaBountys had moved to the Eater Drive address after the devastating tornado that destroyed much of Gifford.

Rantoul Fire Chief Ken Waters said Harley LaBounty was trying to start his car in the garage. LaBountys son, Mike, said a wiring problem in the car is believed to be the cause of the fire.

He went back in the house ... and the fire ignited under the hood, destroying the garage, the car and causing smoke and heat damaging throughout the house, Waters said.

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After losing home to tornado, second home lost to fire