RIPLEY COUNTY, Indiana --
Two people are dead after a fire in Ripley County.
Family members identified them to WLWT as George Andrew, 85, and Belva Andrew, 80.
Firefighters said the fire broke out at about 6:47 a.m. Sunday at a home along Highway 50.
When rescue crews arrived on the scene, they said they found the home fully engulfed in flames.
It took them about 30 minutes to bring the fire under control and they had it extinguished within an hour.
Fire investigators said they believe the fire had been burning for some time before it was reported.
The Andrews' bodies have been taken to the Dearborn County Hospital in Lawrenceburg, Ind., for an autopsy to determine the exact cause of death.
Belva and George Andrew were found dead in their home after a fire.
State police said they have ruled out arson and they said they believe that the fire started in a wood furnace in the basement of the home.
According to investigators, there appeared to be a lot of combustible material near the furnace.
Family and friends said that George Andrew was well-known among the Elrod community. He had previously been a bus driver for the Milan School District and worked as a supervisor for the Ripley County Highway Department.
Belva Andrew had worked at the Waters nursing home for more than 20 years.
The couple had been married for 60 years.
The family asks that lieu of flowers, the community should make a monetary donation to assist with burial expenses. A fund will be set up at the US Bank in Dillsboro, Ind.
