A fire heavily damaged a Lakeland home this afternoon, according to the Shelby County Fire Department (SCFD) but there were no injuries.
The SCFD received a call for a fire at 9404 Colts Neck Cove in Stonebridge at 3:45 p.m. today (4.10.18) and responded by 3:50 p.m., said Brent Perkins, PIO/GIS for the SCFD.
Neighbors are pulling together to help the couple who have lived in the house for many years.
April Daniels, a neighbor, said, “With busy lives and schedules, neighbors are never together. But today it was a time that we all pulled together to help Ron and Dawn (Moose). It felt good to know neighbors come together to support each other in times of need. This family is going to need our help in the days ahead. My prayer is we can come together as a community and help this family get back on their feet.”
Mrs. Daniels plans to start a drive to help the Moose family. “I can be the contact if people want to give in any way. I’ll make sure they will get donations. I’m just right across the street. They’ve been wonderful neighbors and have lived here for years. They have always watched the neighborhood to keep it safe and love Lakeland.”
She said any kind of donations will help — money, gift cards, etc. Mrs. Daniels can be reached at 901-828-1641 or Aprilgmcdaniel@bellsouth.net
Mr. Perkins said three engine companies responded: Arlington, Memphis and two from Shelby County including the location in Lakeland. There were two dozen firemen fighting the fire. He said the fire may have had a bit of a head start and possibly was caused by work on the house. There were workers on the site, he noted.
“There doesn’t appear to be anything sinister,” he said, noting it was likely accidental. He categorized the damage as moderate to heavy. He said newer homes are built with composites and adhesives which fuel fires hotter and faster.
Mr. Perkins urged residents to call 911 at the first suspicion of an emergency, even if it turns out to be nothing. “After a fire has been burning seven minutes, every minute after doubles the fire in size,” he said. Waiting two or three minutes can make a difference. “We are paid to serve you,” said Mr. Perkins. He added the SCFD would rather come and find no emergency than to arrive too late.
He said the same goes for medical emergencies. “Don’t drive yourself to the fire station for a heart attack. The fire truck might not be there. Call 911.”
… Photo courtesy of Wesley Wright.
