DeKalb Fire Department Springs into Action Again Thursday

The DeKalb County Volunteer Fire Department quickly snuffed out a small fire at the home of John Atnip Thursday night at 6625 Jacobs Pillar Road.
Central dispatch received the call at 6:35 p.m.
County Fire Chief Donny Green says Atnip was sitting on his front porch when he noticed a ceiling fan light go out. When he went back inside the house, he saw fire and smoke coming through a wall near the ceiling at the top of the staircase on the second floor. Atnip filled a coffee pot with water and poured it on the blaze, but couldn’t extinguish it. Atnip called 911.
Members of the county fire department, who were in the area returning from a grass fire on Pea Ridge, rushed to the Atnip home and were able to quickly put out the fire. Green says the firefighters used very little water but there was some smoke and heat damage. The fire damage was confined to the upstairs hallway and the top of the staircase near the ceiling. Firefighters had to tear out part of the wall and ceiling to get to the smoldering fire.
Chief Green says the cause of the blaze appeared to be electrical.
Members of the Blue Springs, Keltonburg, Short Mountain, and Main Station tanker responded along with DeKalb EMS and the Sheriff’s Department. No one was injured.
Meanwhile in a follow-up on the fire at the home of Jerry Williams after midnight on Thursday morning, Tammy Speakman, daughter of Mr. Williams sent WJLE an e-mail with an update on his condition. Speakman wrote “My father, Jerry Williams, is recovering well at Vanderbilt’s Burn Unit. He did receive burns to his hands, feet and back, escaping the house fire. My sister, Cindy Flarity and I, and his grandchildren Savanna Speakman and Aspen Flarity, would like to thank the Fire Department and EMS of DeKalb County, Vanderbilt Burn Unit, and everyone who has called, texted and helped in any way, for doing a Great Job. It is times like this that we can really appreciate what our community, professionals, and friends are there for.
Unfortunately, the house could not be saved, but most importantly, our father and grandpa is doing well.”
Williams’ wife Pam would also like to express her appreciation.