FIRE DESTROYS HOME

Investigators are looking into the cause of this blaze that destroyed the home at 146 Bonner Street last Thursday evening.

Two adults and two children were home when the fire broke out, apparently in a bedroom in the back of the house. Patricia Hinds was in the home with her two sons, ages 3 and 4, and her mother, Melanie. Gene Hinds, listed as the renter of the house, was at work, according to Melanie Hinds.

Jasper County Fire Chief Jarret Slocumb lives around the corner, and was at the fire within three minutes of 911 being called, however it took 13 minutes for the first fire engine (3) to arrive. Eventually all fire stations responded. The house was a total loss.

It is owned by Mr. McGinnis who had insurance on it, and the Hinds family had renter’s insurance. Investigators for both insurance companies, along with Chief Slocumb are trying to determine the cause of the fire.