By Shannon McFarlin News Director
Henry, Tenn.–A home on Old McKenzie Highway is a total loss following a fire Monday night, however, the residents were not injured and their pets were saved.
The fire has flared up twice since the initial call, the most recent flare-up at 10 a.m. this morning.
Firefighters were hampered by frigid temperatures while battling the blaze and miserable road conditions which made even getting to the scene difficult.
Dustin Lee Odom of the Henry Volunteer Fire Department, who also is Henry Mayor, said the department was called to 3516 Old McKenzie Road at 8:45 p.m. The fire department was able to contain the fire to the kitchen and utility room at that time, but it flared up after midnight, at which point the home was totally destroyed and then flared up again this morning.
“When we arrived the first time, flames were coming out of the right side of the structure,” Odom said. “We were able to get the pet cat out of the house. He didn’t want to. He fought us, but we were able to get him out so he could fight another day.”
The family’s dogs were in the backyard and were safe, too, he said.
“With all the smoke damage during the initial fire, the house couldn’t be used, but the flare up after midnight totally destroyed it,” Odom said.
There were no injuries to the residents, he said. The residence was two trailers put together with a roof over the top, which posed difficulties for firefighters.
Probable cause of the fire was a toaster, he said.
“The roads to the scene were just ice and snow,” Odom said. “It was amazing how well our guys were able to do under the conditions.”
Mutual aid was provided by the Paris Fire Department. Also on the scene was the Henry County Sheriff’s Office and Henry County EMS.