John Groover and his wife console eachother at the destruction of their home.
Fire Guts Home, SEGNO, January 24, 2011 - Homeowner John Sherman Groover made a doctor's appointment in Livingston early in the morning on January 24, 2011. While Groover was at the doctor, he received a cell phone call from a neighbor informing him that his home had heavy smoke coming from its interior. Where there's smoke, there's fire; Volunteer fire departments from Segno, Livingston, South Polk County, and Alabama Coushatta were dispatched to Groover's home located at 490 Shadowcrest (located between Segno and Big Sandy). Additionally, Deputies Keith Franklin and Larry Pitts with the Polk County Sheriff's Office and a crew from Americare Ambulance Service were dispatched. Firemen arrived to find the interior of the home engulfed in flames. The fire ultimately destroyed the home's interior and collapsed the roof. Fortunately, nobody was injured in the fire. Deputy Franklin conducted a preliminary investigation and turned the case over to Polk County Fire Marshal, Jay Barbee. Groover did have homeowners insurance. The cause of the fire is under investigation.
The white stuff on the ground and walls is a special foam flame retardant used by the fire fighters.
Polk County Fire Marshal, Jay Barbee (right) and Deputy Keith Franklin with the Polk County Sheriff's Office.
The fire weakened the support enough to collapse the main part of the roof.
If you would like to comment on this story, we'd love to hear from you. Your name will be listed with your comment when it's posted in the Letters to the editor.