Fire Destroys Home

This vacant home, a former office building for Charlie Elliott Wildlife Education Center, burned down Monday in spite of heavy rains and the work of several firemen.

There is a lot of heat and smoke damage inside, but nearly 3/4 of the house was saved. It was storming when the fire was discovered, so lightning may have caused the fire, but state officials want to be sure and have asked that the fire marshall’s office be called.

Firefighters were dispatched at 9:46 a.m., and the first ones arrived at 10:03 a.m. The fire was extinguished at 12:39 p.m. Eight volunteer firefighters from four stations responded to the call at 2425 Marben Farms Road.

In addition, two Emergency Medical Service (EMS) responders who have trained to be firefighters too helped the firemen fight the fire. Many volunteers are at jobs out of town during the day making the availability of manpower very limited.

Anyone interested in becoming a volunteer firefighter may contact Jarrett Slocumb, director of fire services or Jeff Bratcher with Emergency Services.