http://www.whas11.com/home/Fire--164706776.html Lou. man faces meth charges after fire erupts in Clifton Heights home by WHAS11 WHAS11.com Posted on August 2, 2012 at 4:06 AM
Updated today at 12:37 PM Gallery
See all 3 photos » LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WHAS11) -- A man is recovering after being severely burned during an overnight fire in the Clifton Heights Neighborhood.
Police said the blaze started when 32-year-old John Kirchner was cooking meth in his grandparents' basement. Firefighters said most of the fire was contained to the basement of the home on Hite Avenue where Kirchner was living.
The elderly couple, who are in their 90s, escaped unharmed, but firefighters said they found Kirchner in the front yard with severe burns to 30 percent of his body.
Long-time neighbors said they never imagined he'd be doing something so dangerous. Bobby Douthitt said he couldn't believe his eyes when he saw the police swarming his street.
Chad Knopf also lives next door to Kirchner. He said the family has lived in the house for more than 50 years. Now seeing the charred remains of the home both neighbors said their hearts go out to the couple who've lost so much.
Kirchner was taken to University Hospital and is expected to be OK. He is charged with manufacturing meth and tow count sow wanton endangerment.
