Jan Pharris was at work Wednesday afternoon when the phone rang with alarming information from a police dispatcher informing her of her house being on fire.
“I could not believe what I was hearing,” Pharris said. “She said there was heavy black smoke coming from the roof of my house and police were on their way.”
About 2:20 p.m., the West Orange Volunteer Fire Department responded to a house fire located at 2529 Dowling Ave. The roof of the house caved in as flames shot through it. The thick black smoke, which could been seen for miles, billowed out the shattered windows. The tall trees in the back yard crackled as the flames from the house caught the limbs on fire. Firefighters battled the blaze although the intense heat could be felt from the roadway.
Pharris in shock and with tear-filled eyes watched as firefighters worked to put out the blaze. However, she said she was grateful her 10-year-old son was in school instead of on summer vacation.
“He would have been here for this,” she said.
But, she dreaded telling him later the fire had destroyed all their belongings.
Tom Tincher, also a resident of the house, had left to go to the store. When he left everything appeared to be ok, Pharris said.
Pharris said she had lived at the residence for about 5 years, but only began purchasing the 3-bedroom house in November. Fortunately, the family had fire insurance.
“It was a really nice house before the fire,” Tincher said.
He later added friends and family members have graciously offered clothes and a place to stay.
According to officials, the fire is believed to have started near the living room area and is not reported to be suspicious.
Assisting in WOVFD, were firefighters from McLewis, Pinehurst, Bridge City and Little Cypress.
Debby Schamber is a reporter for the Orange Leader. She can be reached at 409-883-3571 ext. 2609 or at dschamber@orangeleader.com.
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