A fire heavily damaged a garage and roof of an adjoining home just west of Mt. Vernon Tuesday afternoon.
Jefferson Fire Protection District officials say heavy fire was showing from the garage upon their arrival at the Terry and Cheryl Milt home at 12,549 Sparrow Lane near RP Lumber. The fire had spread into the attic from the garage and a number of holes had to be cut in the roof to reach hot spots.
However, the fire stayed in the attic area with just heat and smoke damage throughout the single-story home below. Fire officials say the family will be able to recover many items from the home. The Red Cross was called to assist them with housing.
After the initial knockdown, firemen searched the home because of conflicting reports of someone possibly being inside. No one was found but firemen were able to rescue three dogs and a cat, while another cat perished in the fire. A nearby vet provided assistance to the animals. The State Fire Marshal’s office was called to investigate the cause of the fire, but no determination has been made on the cause.
The home is owned by Kim Gomora. The fire alarm was received at 10:31 Tuesday morning with firemen on the scene until 1:37 Tuesday afternoon. Mt. Vernon City, Waltonville, Woodlawn, and Kell all provided mutual aid at the scene while Wayne City and Benton Firemen stood by at the Jefferson Fire Protection District Station.
Litton’s Ambulance also stood by, but there were no injuries.
