PARNELL ROAD
Oktibbeha County firefighters fought multiple structure fires over the weekend, some resulting in a total loss.
On Saturday, a structure fire was reported on Polly Bell Road around 8 p.m. Both the Adaton-Self Creek and Maben departments responded to the fire. The fire was fully involved by the time crews arrived.
Oktibbeha County Fire Services Coordinator Kirk Rosenahn said the residents were at the home when they heard a “pop.” The residents then saw fire and smoke in their hallway when they went to check on the noise.
Rosenhan said automobiles and material were destroyed by the fire as well.
“They were able to get out,” Rosenhan said. “We set up the preverbal tanker shuttle and fought the fire, which was quite the fire.”
In addition to the fire, Rosenahn said a propane tank was involved, which made it difficult to put out. He said the department responded quickly to the incident and were on the scene for several hours.
Both occupants were able to escape without injury.
On Sunday, a structure fire was reported on Parnell Road.
The Sturgis, Central Oktibbeha, Bywy and Ackerman fire departments responded to a fully-involved structure fire.
Rosenhan said there was no one at home during the time of the fire. The occupants were on the way home from church when they noticed the fire. The owner of the building was Scott Stallings, a Sturgis Volunteer firefighter.
Rosenhan said this incident was a total loss of the house, furnishings and their dog, Little Man. Another dog was injured by the fire.
“They lost everything,” Rosenhan said. “The fire got off in the woods and was a considerable woods fire.”
Rosenhan said the fire was “well advanced” when firefighters arrived and did their best to save the other buildings and to keep the fire from spreading.
“All in all the county volunteer firefighters did a great job in fighting these fires,” Rosenhan said
Those looking to donate items for both families can contact the Volunteer Fire Department.