By Shannon McFarlin WENK/WTPR News Director
Paris, Tenn.—More information is available on the fire last night that destroyed the home of John and Jane Etheridge at 860 Stillwater Drive in Paris. The Etheridge’s were not home and no one was injured fighting the fire.
According to firefighters, the fire apparently simmered at the home for several hours after lightning struck the home before the fire erupted full force later in the afternoon.
Firefighters were called to the scene around 4 p.m. Neighbors told the firemen that they heard a lightning strike around 1:45 p.m. Neighbors also told WENK/WTPR at the scene that they had heard a loud lightning strike around that time but weren’t sure where the strike had occurred.
Accordiing to the report, when fire crews arrived, they saw smoke and fire coming from the home’s second story and near the rear area over the garage.
Crews began an offensive attack on the main floor and at that point, the home erupted in fire. At that point, fire crews established a defensive attack from the exterior. They were battling both the fire and high winds to control the situation.
Firemen remained on the scene until 7 p.m.
According to the report, property damage is estimated at $225,000, while contents are estimated at $100,000.
The Paris Landing Volunteer Fire Department assisted with water and manpower.
Photo by Shannon McFarlin.