A fire severely damaged the home of Jefferson County Commission Chairman Ken Weber Tuesday morning.

Half of the 100-year-old ranch house was completely destroyed, Weber said. The other half sustained heavy water and smoke damage.

The state fire marshall investigated, Weber said.

The fire appears to have been caused by a wiring malfunction in a basement stairwell, Weber said. However, the insurance company will also do an investigation.

Weber, his wife, Kelly, and two teenage children lived in the home at 1790 Highway 69, which lies north of Whitehall near mile marker 18.

No one was home at the time of the fire, he said.

Weber first learned of the fire this morning, he said, when he was in a meeting in Montana City and received a call from county extension employee Nancy Wheeler. Her husband had just driven by the Weber house and noticed smoke.

"It was very shocking," Weber said. "The day started normal and turned into a nightmare."

The fire was officially reported at 9:46 a.m. to Jefferson County dispatch. Both the Whitehall Volunteer Fire Department and Bull Mountain Volunteer Fire Department responded.

Weber's family was able to salvage some family photos and personal papers.

Late Tuesday afternoon, Weber was waiting to hear from his insurance company about accommodations for his family.

Reporter Marga Lincoln: 447-4074 or marga.lincoln@helenair.com