Detective Christopher Lima was one of the first emergency personnel on the scene.
2 Story House Burns, 5 Different VFDs Summoned, LEGGETT, May 11, 2010 - At around 2:30 pm on May 11, 2010 neighbors called 911 to report a house fire 404 Mabank Road in Leggett. Livingston Volunteer Fire Department arrived to find a fully involved 2 story structure with all occupants safely out. According to neighbors, the fire started in a truck that was parked next to the house and quickly spread to the house. Witnesses stated there was a man inside sleeping and they were able to get inside to get him out safely. The enormity of the blaze prompted a call for assistance from other Polk County fire departments including Onalaska, Scenic Loop, Indian Springs, and Alabama Coushatta. The owner of the home, Charles Wade of Leggett, was visibly shaken up from the tragedy. The focus of the firemen quickly changed from the now destroyed 2 story structure, to preventing 2 adjoining livable structures that were attached to the 2 story house from burning. Detective Chris Lima, Deputies Larry Pitts and Terri Mayer (all with the Polk County Sheriff's Office) stood by as fire fighters worked to get the fire under control. Also dispatched was Polk County Fire Marshal, Jay Barbee. Charles Wade did not have insurance on the home. The fire was completely out before 5 pm.
Deputy Larry Pitts watches as fire fighters try to get the fire under control.
Firemen were forced to turn their attention to the two adjoining structures to prevent them from catching fire.
Family members console one another at the loss of their home.
Onalaska Fire Chief Roy Newport barks out orders to his men.
Homeowner Charles Wade (wearing cowboy hat) could only watch as the main part of his home burned down.
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.
