Vilonia fire sparked by fireworks, VFD says
Vilonia fire sparked by fireworks, VFD says
8 February 2009
published by www.thecabin.net
USA –Vilonia Authorities said fireworks may have sparked a fire that destroyed one mobile home and damaged another.
At about 12:49 p.m. Saturday the Vilonia Volunteer Fire Department responded to mobile home fires east of Vilonia, at Number 18 and Number 25 Laci Lane.
“It appears that someone was using fireworks. No one stepped forward to say they were, but some sounds were heard that sounded like them,” said Chief Keith Hillman of the VFD. “The fireworks started a grass fire and on to the trailers.”
Due to the winds, Hillman said an additional two trailers were also at risk of catching fire for awhile. Hillman was still on the scene at 4 p.m. and an investigation is ongoing, he said.
Hillman referred to one mobile home as “completely gone,” and estimated the damages at $60,000. He estimated $5,000 in damage to the second mobile home. No one was present at one of the mobile homes when the fire began, Hillman said.
“At one of them, there was someone there, and they woke up to smoke,” he added.
The names of the occupants were not available.
“Right now, the wind is high and the grass is very dry,” Hillman said. “People just need to use common sense and not shoot any fireworks. There’s a burn ban. Don’t burn any trash or anything else. Fire can get out in a matter of just a couple of minutes.”
