Crews Face Dangerous Icy Conditions Battling Overnight House Fire Near Springfield
SPRINGFIELD, TENNESSEE: (Smokey Barn News) – A Springfield area home is a total loss following a devastating fire that the family barely escaped from with their lives early Sunday, the first call coming into 911 at 2:35 am. The home is located in the 7000 block of Lamont Rd. The family had somehow awakened and narrowly escaped unharmed. A cat was still trapped inside. LOCATION OF FIRE
Responders from multiple departments, including the Orlinda Fire Department, led by Chief Patrick Darrow, the Cross Plains Fire Department, North Robertson Fire & Rescue, and White House Community, arrived as quickly as possible, but some apparatus from mutual aid departments were unable to make it to the scene due to road conditions.
The lady and gentleman who escaped the fire were able to seek warmth in Medic 2, the ambulance stationed in Cross Plains. Unfortunately the homeowners lost all wallets, purses, cards, keys, everything in the fire… including their clothes except what they had on at the time. Their cat is unaccounted for at this time.
The roof of the home had collapsed in during firefighting attempts. Tankers were called in from other departments. Of the fire apparatus able to make it to the scene, North Robertson Fire Department’s brand new tanker was able to assist in delivering multiple loads of water with other units. This is the first fire it has helped fight since being placed in service earlier last week.
With very little left in their possession and the closest hotels full of stranded travelers, the homeowners need somewhere to go. Their closest family is just off Hwy 31W in Franklin, KY. EMA Director Blake Pierce coordinated with Robertson County EMS to use a 4×4 EMS supervisor truck to try and get the homeowners to their family’s home for shelter, food, and emotional support after what they had been through. There are thankfully no reported injuries. Chief Darrow told Smokey Barn News that the cause was still under investigation.
According to Robertson County EMS Director Brent Dyer, “Given the conditions, situation, and other factors, they had to do something to be sure these folks are taken care of. Our prayers go out to them in the loss of their home and belongings; we are thankful they escaped. It is very treacherous, but this is what we try to be equipped for. We will take care of our people.”
Firefighting efforts in the frigid conditions went on for hours, and travel is extremely risky, the worst Dyer has seen in years. Earlier this evening there were not too many issues with 4 wheel drive engaged but later there is so much ice, crews are barely able to do half of normal speed limits and some areas, especially Honey Run Hill along 31W in the section between Hwy 76 and Hwy 25 of 31W, just before Quail Ridge Subdivision in the area of Honey Run Rd. was almost impassable with an embankment on the right that drivers fought to avoid.
“Please keep this family who has lost their home in your prayers and keep responders in mind as road conditions are worsening every hour,” Dyer said.
