On Sunday, October 12th, shortly after 4:00 a.m., firefighters with Macedonia Volunteer Fire Department responded to a call in the 300 Block of Pop Runnels Road. The call reported a structure fire.
According to a press release from Macedonia Volunteer Fire Department, the first units to arrive reported heavy smoke at the front of the structure and significant fire conditions at the rear of the structure.
Macedonia House Fire// Photo Credit- Macedonia Volunteer Fire Dept
Firefighters went to work through the side door under the carport. They began to suppress the flames, but the fire rapidly spread through the home and into the attic. Firefighters began to remove the drywall to access the attic and the flames there.
Shortly after, the roof became unstable. Partial roof collapses occurred, so that firefighters had to evacuate and form a different, more defensive approach. The fire was eventually brought under control, so that the firefighters were able to again re-enter the home to begin salvage and overhaul operations.
The firefighters were on scene for about five total hours. The residents of the home evacuated prior to the arrival of the VFD. Three residents of the home reported injuries. Two reported breathing difficulty because of smoke inhalation, and were treated on scene by EMS personnel, but declined transport. The third was taken to a local hospital to be treated for burns on the upper half of the body, as well as smoke inhalation.
In addition to the human residents, seven dogs were in the home at the time the fire began. Five were successfully rescued, while two unfortunately were found later and had died.
Other groups responded to the scene, including North Forrest Volunteer Fire Department, Sunrise Volunteer Fire Department, Forrest County Sheriff’s Office, and Dixie Electric Power Association.
