UPDATE: A secondary drop-off point has been established for donations: Central Church of Christ – 2081 Mayfield Highway in Benton.
POSSUM TROT – A local man escaped with just the clothes on his back and his beloved canine companion ‘Joe’ this morning after fire completely destroyed his Possum Trot home.
A burned out hull is all that remains after fire tore through the home of Mr. Oral Marks just after 6 a.m. this morning. Possum Trot Sharpe Fire Chief Rick Pershing reports the whole front of the home burst into flames as firefighters arrived on scene, the blast believed to be caused by one of two propane tanks discovered in the front of the home.
With half of the home fully engulfed, firefighters worked quickly to battle the blaze in an effort to keep it from spreading to neighboring homes located on either side. The fire burned so hot that underpinning on the neighboring structures and even indoor mini blinds melted.
Eight firefighters utilized five trucks from both PTSFD and Palma-Briensburg to prevent the fire from causing serious damage to any other structures, however, nothing could be done to salvage Mr. Marks’ home who lost everything, including medications, car keys and all personal belongings.
Firefighters were back on scene today working to see what could be done to offer their assistance.
Marks was very emotional today as he spoke of the morning’s events, reluctant to ask for help but thankful to the men who had worked so diligently to extinguish the blaze despite freezing temperatures and slick conditions under foot. One firefighter was even transported to the hospital after complaining of dizziness and nausea. Marks stated he felt the fire likely started in the back of the home near the electrical panel however an official determination has not been made.
For now, a drop off point has been established at Marks’ step-daughter’s home in the R and R Mobile Home Park on Rudd Lane (off of US Highway 62), mobile home No. 71.
Directions: Take US Highway 62 to Barrett Ln., turn onto Rudd Lane. Take a right into the 2nd entrance of the mobile home park. Lot. 71 will be the second residence on your right, a grey mobile home with a small dog pen in front. There are no numbers marking the home.
Call 270-366-1449 or 270-703-2706 if more information is needed.
Donations of all types including monetary, clothing, toiletries, sheets, blankets, pillows, food, gas cards, restaurant cards, and canned dog food would be greatly appreciated.
Clothing Sizes:
Pants: Size 42×30
Shirt: XL
Coat: XL
Shoes: 10.5