On Saturday, Sept. 12, just after midnight, West Polk County Volunteer Fire/Rescue responded to what was first called a grass fire but was actually a structure fire on Sand Mt. Rd. Fire Chief Steve Lofty said that when he responded, the fire was lighting up the sky visible all the way into Benton.

 Coby Hooker, Capt. of Station 13 was the first firefighter on scene and found the structure fully involved in both levels. He then found a full propane tank that was in danger of over heating.

 The initial focus of the firefighters was to cool that tank, due to the fact the structure was already a total loss. All propane tanks on a fire scene require a full commitment to prevent the danger of them over-heating. Otherwise, the firefighters would have to pull back  and it requires a huge amount of water to cool a venting propane tank.

Lofty directed the use of the home's swimming pool as a dump tank for Engine 13 to pump from. 5000 gallons of water was used from engines and tankers and an additional 15,000 gallons from the pool was used in the control of the fire at this scene.

The home had huge wooden beams, lots of woodwork and a 12-inch cement base between the above-ground section and the rooms below ground.  The radiant heat from all that material burning caused scorching of the green grass up to 65 feet away from the structure.

Metal roofing helped to protect the propane tank from a lot of this radiant heat.

One car that was parked close to the rear of the home was completely burned upon arrival of the first engine.

20 plus WPCFR  volunteer members responded with 3 engines, 3 tankers plus their Rehab vehicle. Assistance was given by Bradley County, TN and Murray County, GA Fire Depts. Dist Chief  Riggs from Bradley and Chief Bain of Murray county and their crews are thanked for their assistance. The presence and co-operation of Medtrans EMS and Polk County Sheriff was also appreciated.