House Fire Attracts 3 Fire Departments, SCENIC LOOP, October 13, 2009 - At approximately 2 pm on October 13, 2009, Elizabeth and Jason Roarke were driving on FM-3126 when they spotted smoke coming from a home located at 4730 FM-3126. The Roarkes knocked on the door of a neighboring home to alert them that the house next door was on fire. Coincidentally, the homeowner of the burning home, Elanor Hablinski, 89, of Livingston was visiting when the knock came. Once the Roarks notified the neighbors, the Scenic Loop Volunteer Fire Department was dispatched to the scene to find the home fully involved. Hablinski (a Combat Nurse from World War II), attempted to enter her home when several explosions were heard coming from the garage area. The Onalaska Volunteer Fire Department and the Livingston Volunteer Fire Department were also summoned to assist in the raging inferno. Hablinski was pulled away from her home for her own safety. According to Scenic Loop Fire Chief Donald Marlow, the explosions came from the truck parked in the garage, a boat, and a generator. The fire was put out by 3 pm but not before the home was gutted. Elizabeth and Jason Roarke stayed with Hablinski throughout the whole ordeal, and, according to witnesses, offered to help clean up once the fire was put out. According to neighbors, Hablinski is amazingly tough and resilient. Hablinski did have insurance and is staying with friends that live near her home. According to Chief Marlow, a State Fire Marshal will investigate the incident. Marlow also stated that preliminarily, it is believed that the fire originated in the garage and possibly came from the truck.
A special thank you to Assignment Editor Stash Anderson.
The fire is believed to have started in the garage from this truck.
The backside of the house looked pristine.
The fire nearly caught the neighbor's house on fire (note the damaged roof and the broken window from heat).
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