Photos/Story By: Chief, Michael P. Kane
On Friday September 23, 2000 at 0920 hours Taylor County (FL) Sheriff's Office received a report of a residential fire on Harrison Blue Road in unincorporated Taylor County.
Companies from Taylor County Fire Rescue, the City of Perry, West District and North District Fire Companies, and Doctors' Memorial Hospital EMS (DMHEMS) were dispatched to the scene.
DMHEMS Director Marty Thompkins arrived first and reported a doublewide trailer well involved.
Firefighters were hampered by heavy rain, lightning, and high winds from Tropical Storm Helene, which had made land fall earlier that morning.
Additionally, the residence was set back several hundred yards down winding, narrow drive covered by heavy, low hanging tree limbs.
With Tanker 3 unable to navigate the drive, West District Engine 50 was assigned to shuttle water from the tanker to the scene to maintain a water supply.
The fire is under investigation by the Florida State Fire Marshal's Office.
The American Red Cross is aiding the family of eight with emergency shelter and assistance.
