Fire Destroys Home

The home of Holsey Tinsley on Blackbird Circle in Turtle Cove was destroyed by fire Tuesday, but several personal items, including old black and white photographs were saved.

Three Jasper County fire departments—Jackson Lake, Monticello and North Alcovy—and a Newton County unit from nearby responded. Unfortunately, the fire was already out of control when firefighters arrived.

Mr. Tinsley, who was named Citizen of the Year last year by the Monticello-Jasper County Chamber of Commerce lived alone in the home.

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He said he had returned home about 3 p.m. that afternoon after visiting with a friend. He said there was a chill in the house and he lit the heater.

(Apparently he went outside after that and the heater caused the house to catch fire.)

His attention was called to the fire when a passerby stopped to see where the smoke was coming from. Mr. Tinsley said the whole side f the house right, above) was on fire when he first saw it. Apparently the passerby had called 911, because Mr. Tinsley said he did not call.

Firefighters tried to knock down the fire before the entire house became involved, but were unable to. Mr. Tinsley said he wanted to go in and get some things, but firefighters advised against it. Mr. Tinsley is staying with friends this week.

The home is likely a total loss, but the bedroom, storage room and bathroom were only slightly damaged. In addition, some personal items in other parts of the house were salvageable.

The fire was called in shortly before 5 p.m. Tuesday, and firefighters wrapped up after 9:30 p.m.

Mr. Tinsley was headed out to the scene Thursday to begin collecting those items that were saved.