Fire Destroys Home

One home was destroyed by fire while an adjacent home suffered water and smoke damage during an early morning fire Saturday.

Firefighters were called to 282 Benton Street in Monticello at 5:35 am., and according to reports, arrived 13 minutes later to find the home in flames. The rear side of the structure was fully involved, and the fire was spreading to the house next door at 276 Benton Street.

Firefighters initially set up a “water curtain” to stop the spread of the fire. Then, as more units arrived, some firefighters worked on extinguishing the primary blaze, while others tried to save the adjacent property. The fire was in the attic of 276 Benton Street, and firefighters extinguished the fire and ventilated the attic.

Firefighters and apparatus from four stations responded—Station 3, Monticello; Station 5, Piedmont, Station 2, Shady Dale, and a tanker from Station 7, Farrar. The home that was destroyed was owned by Charlie Fred Smith, and Eddie Brown lived there. The adjacent home was owned by Jackie Smith. It was close to 9 a.m. before firefighters completed their work. Friday was the first really cool night of the season.

Jarrett D. Slocumb, Chief of Monticello Fire Department said to remind everyone to be sure to install smoke detectors, and remember to keep fresh batteries installed. On Sunday, Oct. 29, Daylight Savings Time will end, and everyone is encouraged to change smoke alarm batteries at that time.

But, for those who haven’t checked them lately, Chief Slocumb encourages them to go ahead and replace the batteries.