By Assistant Chief Dalton Lee Gregory, Tarkington Volunteer Fire Department
NORTH LIBERTY COUNTY – Shortly after 4:30 on Saturday evening, Tarkington firefighters were dispatched to a report of a structure fire on CR2191. Assistant Chief Evert Doucette arrived just minutes later, followed closely by Engine 52 with Assistant Chief Dalton Gregory, to find a single-family residence heavily involved.
A car that was less than five feet from the structure was starting to smoke when firefighters arrived, so they quickly pulled hoses to keep it from catching fire also, then began battling the blaze. Tarkington requested assistance from North Liberty, Cleveland, and Cypress Lakes fire departments to bring both tankers and manpower.
The house was completely destroyed by fire, but firefighters efforts did prevent the fire from spreading to the nearby vehicle and a mobile home that was less than 30 feet away.
Liberty County Fire Marshal Jim Wilson was called to investigate the cause of the blaze.
