Galen Scott
gscott@weatherforddemocrat.com
A rock chimney leaning precariously to one side and piles of charred rubble are all that remain of what four generations of Parker County residents once called home.
Peaster VFD Chief Leo Scott said the “stubborn” fire that devoured the residence early Saturday eventually required six tanker trucks full of water to extinguish.
“It was burning for quite some time before someone on the highway noticed it,” Scott said.
At approximately 4:30 a.m., a passing motorist reported flames jutting from the structure a short distance south of Peaster along FM 920.
Upon arriving in the midst of a driving rain, Peaster, Poolville and Central volunteer fire crews found a wooden, pier-and-beam home fully involved, with flames barring access to the inside.
Officials are not sure what caused the fire.
A new air conditioning unit reportedly installed hours before the blaze ignited was mentioned as one possible cause, although officials said a preliminary investigation did not uncover any obvious wiring errors.
Based on weather conditions at the time and historical accounts provided by the homeowner, firefighters believe lightning may have struck one of several large oak trees which surround the home.
A trace of licence plates found on an old truck parked near the home lead firemen to contact Donna Johnson, 64, the home’s only resident.
Johnson was recuperating from recent medical treatment at a relative’s house in Peaster when she learned her own home was burning down.
Johnson’s son, Robert, said his mother had considered returning Friday evening to spend her first night back at home.
“We convinced her to stay one more night at my aunt and uncle’s house,” Robert Johnson said. “She wouldn’t have been able to get out of there. It went up so fast.”
Johnson said the home was built in 1950, by his great-grandfather, Bert Reynolds, who served as Weatherford Police Chief from 1929 until 1953.
Throughout the weekend, citizens have come forward offering assistance to his family, Johnson said.
“So many people have just come out of the woodwork offering help and whatever mom needs,” he added.
Local News
Related Photos
Peaster home destroyed by fire
- Local News
-
-
10 most romantic hotels in the U.S.
Valentine’s Day will be here soon, and a romantic getaway may be just what the heart needs. TripAdvisor has released its list of the 10 most romantic hotels in the country, based on travelers’ reviews about the beautiful scenery, friendly staffs and romantic amenities like hot tubs and fireplaces.
-
Flooding at issue in other subdivisions
While much attention has been given to the Briarwood subdivision, located off of Santa Fe Drive in Weatherford, during the last two months storm water drainage issues have occurred in additional subdivisions and concerned homeowners. This has been an ongoing issue for many areas throughout the city.
- Child paddled, abuse at school not substantiated
-
Wildlife volunteers needed
Like any other mother, Donna Robinson has pictures of her “babies” on her phone.
“Let me show you,” she said eagerly. “I’ve got lots of pictures of the kids.”
She scrolls through the photos — there’s one of a squirrel with milk on its mouth after a feeding. Oh, there’s a cute one of two tiny possums looking over her shoulder as she feeds another “baby.” Aww, there’s the group of four raccoons named after the Beatles: Ringo, Paul, George and John.
Ok. She’s not your “ordinary” mom. -
Water woes on floodplain in Weatherford
When Wendy Walling purchased her home in the Briarwood subdivision off of Sante Fe Drive in the mid-1990s, her son could easily jump from one side of the small creek behind the home to the other.
“My son was in fourth grade (when we moved in) and he could actually jump across the creek,” Walling said.
By 2007, however, Walling said the width of the creek had begun to expand.
“(The creek) can hold water now and before it never could,” Walling said. - DPS: Motorcyclists didn't see slowing truck
- Kidnapper gets 99 years
- Judge tosses plea in horse deaths
-
Weatherford junior to perform with All-State choir
When she was a little girl, Cassandra Kirby used to climb up next to her grandmother’s big fireplace and sing songs during the holiday get-togethers.
While she has a reserved and polite personality, recalling these memories makes a big smile break out onto Kirby’s face.
Get her talking about songs and suddenly she’s effusive and happy. -
Rock solid gymnasts
- More Local News Headlines
-
Man Killed in Courthouse Shootout
Video of Ga. Man Who Killed Girl Released
Air Force Airlines: Leaders Get Polished Service
Ga Girl Fights Off Kidnapper at Walmart
Nevada Highway Patrol, City Settle Beating Case
White House Attacks Romney on Birth Control
Homs Bombardment Continues, Global Outcry Grows
Mo. Teen Gets Life Sentence for Killing Girl, 9
Lower-hassle Screening to Be Tested at Airports
Raw Video: Dog Rescued From Icy Colo. Water
Helmet Camera Captures Calif. Fire Rescue
Worker Tells 911: Powell 'exploded the House'
Triple Win: Santorum Takes Minn., Mo., Colo.
Injured Marine Inspired by Homecoming
No Rape Charges Against Son of NYPD Commissioner
Egypt's Ruling Generals Play Risky Game With US
Former Komen Exec Defends Funding Cut
Skip the Coffee Cup and Inhale Your Caffeine Fix
Calif. Gay Marriage Ban Ruled Unconstitutional
Jury Selection for Ex-UVa Athlete Enters 2nd Day
