Fire destroyed a 7,500-square-foot house on Lighthouse Cove in Lakeland this afternoon (8.2.18), according to the Shelby County Fire Department (SCFD).
Brent Perkins, public information officer for the SCFD, said six firefighters were impacted by the blaze; two fire fighters were down because of the heat: burning wood from the roof came down on three firefighters; and a sixth firefighter fell through the roof. None of the fire fighters required medical treatment and no civilians were injured, he said. “These men face potential horrifically dangerous situations,” said Mr. Perkins. “They are very brave.”
The home is in the 4000 block of Lighthouse Cove fronting Garner Lake and is owned by Perry Ferrell, according to Mr. Perkins.
Video at the fire scene:
Six engine companies responded, said Mr. Perkins, with over 30 firefighters and about 15 vehicles. Firemen from the station in Lakeland were the first to respond followed by the Arlington Fire Department and others from Shelby County.
Mr. Perkins said there was heavy smoke from the front. The firemen then went to the back and the house was fully involved in flames. Because of a breeze off the Lake, that worked against the crew and the fire continued into the interior of the house.
He said the fire may have started with a grill on the patio. Neighbors reported Mr. Ferrell said he was lighting a grill and a propane tank exploded.
Although some in the neighborhood believed there may have been a water pressure issue, Mr. Perkins said water pressure was not an issue. There was ample water to fight the fire, he said.
Lakeland residents reported seeing smoke from I-40 and Appling Road. Mr. Perkins said visible smoke was reported within the I-240 loop. “It had a pretty good start and we’re trying to figure out why,” he said.
He noted that the house next door did not catch on fire.
Photos courtesy of Lakeland residents Kelley Hale and Lisa Boysen and Jim Willis with Lakeland Currents.
Google album link: https://photos.app.goo.gl/FU7sn7bwZJLaVzZS8 Video by Jim Willis
