A massive fire engulfed a trailer in the Eastgate Trailer Park on Landon St. Thursday afternoon, which the owner says was caused by a tarnished electric heater cord.
The Farmville Volunteer Fire Department, and two other Departments, responded to a call received at 11:27 a.m., and arrived on the scene 11 minutes later.
“When our crews arrived on scene, we had heavy fire showing,” said Farmville Volunteer Fire Department First Assistant Chief, Dean Farmer. “Crews began an exterior attack, and then we sent an additional crew inside the residence to attack the fire from there. Once we were able to get a knock down on the fire, our crews began to ventilate the structure, and to complete salvage and overhaul.”
According to Farmer, the fire was under control by 12:21 p.m., and there were no burn injuries. Three people were in the house at the time of the fire, two of which were full time residents.
“The smoke alarm went off, and it is sensitive so we didn’t pay it any attention,” said Ellen Chambers, the owner of the residence. “When it didn’t stop, we went to check on it; we had three electric heaters going, one in each room.”
Chambers continued, “One of the drop-cords had started burning, which is when the bed caught on fire. When we went to get water, we couldn’t get back in because of the smoke.”
According to Chambers, none of the residents were able to salvage any of their belongings.
“I was so disappointed, I couldn’t walk straight,” she said. “My heart started hurting, and I didn’t know what to do. We are going to contact our insurance and go from there."
