Smoke fills the air around the home at 307 E. FM-1988.
Fire Severely Damages Home, GOODRICH, July 3, 2009 - At approximately 3:30 pm on July 3, 2009 a house fire was reported on 1988 East in the area of Goodrich. Both Livingston and Goodrich Volunteer Fire Departments were dispatched to 307 East FM-1988 along with Americare Ambulance Service and Polk County Sheriff's Deputy Darren Crow. Smoke was heavy in the air around the house as firemen methodically put out a fire that is believed to have started in the kitchen and wreaked terrible damage to the interior. Thanks to a quick reaction from the firemen, the home was saved. Smoke damage was visible throughout the home, but the kitchen was charred and totaled. The home is owned by Johnny Atkinson and according to witnesses, is lived in by his son Johnny Jr. A crew from Americare stood by, but fortunately nobody was hurt in the fire. The fire was completely out by 4 pm. At time of press, it is not yet known whether or not Atkinson had homeowners insurance.
Livingston Fire Chief Corky Cochran directs his men.
The kitchen was charred ruins.
Goodrich Fire Chief Ken Hambrick surveys the damage to the interior of the home.
The heat melted air vents from the ceiling in other rooms of the home.
Livingston Assistant Chief John Haynes (left), Chief Corky Cochran (center), Goodrich Fire Chief Ken Hambrick (right).
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.
