Fire damages home on Tidal Wave Road

Fire destroyed a volunteer firefighter’s home Monday afternoon.

A local volunteer firefighter faced one of the worst possible scenarios when he and his department were called to battle ablaze that was consuming his own home.

Rockholds, Oak Grove and Woodbine firefighters were called to a structure fire at 3846 Tidal Wave Road Monday afternoon.

Charles Bennett, who has been with Woodbine for six months and previously served with the Rockholds department, lived at the residence with his wife, six children and two other adults.

As the other family members stood across the road off of Kentucky 511, Bennett joined with the other firefighters to try to contain the blaze.

Rockholds Fire Chief Charles Walker said firefighters were called to the scene at approximately 4:30 p.m.

Oak Grove and Woodbine firefighters were paged a few minutes later as part of the mutual aid agreements between the departments.

“I heard a popping and cracking sound,” said Wayne Sawyers, who lived next door. “I looked out and it was blazing pretty good.

“I went to make sure all those kids had gotten out,” Sawyers added.

Walker said when firefighters arrived, the fire had already vented itself through the kitchen area and flames were shooting through the holes in the roof.

Firefighters had the flames knocked down quickly but were on scene for approximately four hours as they worked to extinguish any hotspots.

Firefighters went into the crawlspace underneath the house and pulled down the eaves in an effort to ensure the fire was extinguished.

One of the residents said the fire started in a bedroom.

“The kids said there were electrical problems, but we couldn’t confirm that,” Walker said.

Walker said there was extensive damage throughout the home.

Firefighters were called back to the scene around midnight when the fire rekindled.

“It is a total loss,” Walker said of home.

Woodbine Fire Department Public Affairs Officer Felicia Fore said she has contacted the Red Cross in an effort to get help for the family.

In addition, the Woodbine Fire Department will be accepting clothing donations for the family.

Fore said Charles Bennett wears large or extra large shirts, 36/32 pants, and size 10 shoes.

Sabrina wears extra large shirts, 16-18 pants, and size 7.5-8 shoes.

The 16-year-old boy wears extra large shirts, 32/33 pants and size 10-10.5 shoes.

The 13-year-old boy wears large shirts, 28/30 pants and size 9.5-10 shoes.

The 11-year-old boy wears youth large shirts, 34/30 pants and adult size 8.5 shoes.

The 10-year-old boy wears youth medium shirts, 12 husky pants and adult size 7.5 shoes.

The 6-year-old boy wears youth small shirts, 8 slim pants and kids size six shoes.

The 3-year-old girl wears 3t/4t shirts, 3t/4t pants and kids size 10 shoes.

Buluah, another adult at the residence, wears large shirts, 12-14 women pants, and women size 7 shoes

Brandi, the final adult at the residence, wears extra large shirts, 16-18 women pants and women size 8-9 shoes.

Fore said the family is also in need of toiletry items, such as shampoo, soap, deodorant, toothbrushes and toothpaste, socks and undergarments, and toys and games for the children.

Donations may be brought to Woodbine Fire Department’s Station One between 4 p.m. and 8 p.m. Wednesday through Friday or noon to 4 p.m. Saturday.

Woodbine Fire Department will provide receipts for the donations for tax purposes upon request.

Donations may also be brought to Bargain Barn Treasures or Jack’s Wheel Alignment. Both businesses are located on Falls Hwy. between Oak Grove School and the Oak Grove Fire Department.

Anyone with additional questions may contact Fore at 515-3470.