By By ROBERT BLANKENSHIP – Managing Editor
An East Brewton family lost their home and most of their belongings on Saturday as a fast-moving fire completely destroyed the home their were occupying.
The East Brewton Fire Department was dispatched by 9-1-1 to 1110 Daily St. at approximately 12:11 p.m. on Saturday. When they arrived they found the home engulfed in flames.
The occupant, Paula Thomason and her 7-year-old daughter were able to escape the home. Another daughter, 17, was not home at the time. A family pet, a dog, was lost in the fire.
The department responded to the scene with 13 firefighters, two pumpers and a service truck. Shell said it was fortunate that a full staff was available to fight the fire.
The fire was one source of trouble for the firefighters, but Shell said nature also proved to be working against them.
The firefighters had the fire under control within 30 minutes, but were forced to remain on the scene putting out "hot spots" for about three hours.
Shell said the fire was not a typical one.
He said the house was built of pine and that the older wood may have allowed it to burn more quickly.
The cause of the fire is still under investigation.
Rogene Martin, director of the East Escambia Chapter of the American Red Cross said her office is currently accepting donations for the family. The ARC has provided temporary relief in the form of food and clothes.
For more details about making a donation contact Martin at 867-3426.
Red Cross aid is an outright gift. It is provided for by voluntary contributions from the American people.