A quick reaction from these firemen saved the home from total destruction.
Intoxicated Man Falls Asleep Smoking and Nearly Burns Down His Home, Arrested for Parole Violations, LIVINGSTON, July 17, 2009 - At approximately 10:40 pm on July 16, 2009, Scenic Loop resident Larry Wilkerson was intoxicated and fell asleep smoking in his living room. Wilkerson woke up to find his kitchen and living room on fire. Scenic Loop Volunteer Fire Department led by Chief Donald Marlow was dispatched to the scene with a surplus of firemen and 4 fire engines. Polk County Sheriff's Deputy Jamie Buie was also dispatched to the scene along with Sergeant Rob Thomas. According to Marlow, he fell asleep intoxicated while smoking in his mobile home at 217 Cedar Valley in Blanchard. In less than 3 minutes the volunteer firemen arrived and were able to save the mobile home from certain total destruction. Wilkerson's living room and kitchen were severely damaged in the fire and the rest of the home sustained smoke damage. When a mobile home catches fire, the average time for the mobile home to become fully involved is 5 minutes, the firemen's quick reaction (3 minutes) is what saved the home from being totaled. As it turns out, Wilkerson had a state warrant out for his arrest for parole violations. Buie apprehended Wilkerson without incident and drove him to Polk County Jail where Wilkerson was booked in.
Special Thank You to Assignment Editor Stash Anderson, Ken from Ken's Towing, SLVFD Chief Donald Marlow, and Jamie Buie.
Torched furniture was moved out of the house and into the back yard
The home's interior was severely damaged.
Scenic Loop Fire Chief Donald Marlow (center) and two other firemen investigate.
Deputy Jamie Buie
Sergeant Rob Thomas
Livingston Assistant Fire Chief John Haynes showed up to lend a hand.
Firemen sweep charred ruins out of the back of the mobile home.
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