The home of a St. Paul man burned to the ground Thursday afternoon (June 1) just after 3 p.m.

The East Grayson County and Clarkson Fire departments responded to 199 McGrew Road around 3:16 p.m. to find the home of Alan Drake fully engulfed in flames and smoke.

The smoke billowing into the air from the burning home, according to witnesses, could be seen from as far as the city limits of Leitchfield along Salt River Road.

According to East Grayson County Fire Chief Bob Williams, the fire had been burning for some time before anyone noticed it.

Williams said that when East Grayson firefighters arrived on the scene the roof was already caved in and the walls were also falling in.

With not a lot of manpower available at that time of day, Williams said they called the Clarkson Fire Department in to assist with battling the blaze.

Williams reported Friday morning that the fire appears to have started in the basement area of the home, “which is possibly why no one noticed it sooner,” he said.

Drake was running errands and was not home at the time of the fire, according to Williams.

While the exact cause of the fire was not known, Williams said he doesn't suspect arson.

There were no injuries reported as a result of Thursday's blaze and firefighters were on the scene for nearly three hours.