LITTLE FLOCK, Ark. — A registered nurse at Mercy Medical Center, Angie Holden had only been at work for a short time when she was notified that her house was on fire.
She had napped during the afternoon because she works the night shift and had left for work about 6 p.m. At 6:21 p.m. a motorist on Hilltop Drive noticed flames coming from the house on the hill at the intersection of Spring Cliff and Hilltop and called 911 reporting the fire to Benton County Central Communications.
Three volunteer fire departments were notified - Little Flock, Pea Ridge and Avoca - and firefighters from nearby Rogers responded as well.
The house was fully involved upon their arrival, Little Flock Fire Chief Moose Dunavan said. The main electrical line fell to the ground while still “live” and ignited a grass fire on the north side of the house. The roof collapsed.
Firefighters donned oxygen masks and turnout gear going into the burning house to locate and douse the flames. As one group tired from fatigue and the extreme heat, others took their places.
Neighbors stood by consoling Holden as she watched her house destroyed.
Benton County fire marshal Will Hanna said it appears the fire began in the attic and smoldered for a while before erupting in flames. Although the cause is still undetermined, he said it does not appear to be suspicious.
Holden, her husband, Jon, and two daughters, ages 8 and 11, lived in the three-bedroom house.
The fire rekindled Sunday morning, but was quickly extinguished.
News, Pages 8 on 08/24/2011