Fires Destroy Homes

Jasper County firefighters—paid and volunteer—have been very busy over the last 10 days, responding to four structure fires in that time as well as several reports of brush fires.

On Monday, the home of Bobby Bailey at 733 North Warren Street was gutted when fire broke out late morning. No one was injured in the fire, but there was much damage. Firefighters who responded include Chris Finch, Jarrett Slocumb, Austin Nations, Carlos Rhodes, Maritsa Bell, Amber Jarvis, Christina Bramlett and Steve Milligan.

When the fire was called in there was concern someone was in the home, but luckily no one was home. An account has been opened at the Bank of Monticello to help Mr. Bailey for all who would like to contribute.

Previously, on Sunday night, about midnight, firefighters were called to a home at 471 Oak Street in the city of Monticello. That fire was suspicious in nature, as no one was living there, and there is no power to the home. That house was also gutted. Fire apparatus responding included Engines 1, 2, 3 and 4, which is Jackson Lake, Shady Dale, Monticello and Piedmont, Medics 1 and 3, and Tanker 4. It was 4 a.m. by the time firefighters finished there.

Last Thursday, firefighters were called to an older home at 1991 County Line Road. The house was fully involved when firefighter arrived, and was a complete loss.

Prior to that, on February 18, firefighters responded to a garage apartment fire on North Alcovy Road. The apartment was basically gone when firefighters arrived, according to Chris Finch, fire/rescue chief, but they were able to save the main structure. Some siding on the side of the house was melted, but the house was basically unharmed.