Wednesday, April 20, 2011
Summertown Family Loses All In Tuesday Fire
A family lost their home and all of their belongings Tuesday afternoon when fire destroyed their Summertown home.
Officials reported Tuesday evening that a cigarette may have sparked the blaze that destroyed the 100 Woodside Lane home of Mattie and William Shepherd.
According to reports filed through the Lawrence County Sheriff’s Department, Mattie Shepherd reported she had fallen asleep on the couch with a lit cigarette in-hand.
She told deputies she got up and went to bed. Shortly afterwards, she said she awoke to the smell of smoke. She went to the living room and discovered the couch was burning. Shepherd said she then went to a neighbor’s home to place a 911 call for help.
Reports indicate the home and contents were completely destroyed, leaving the family with a loss of approximately $30,000.
The Shepherds resided at their home with their six grandchildren, who were all at school when the fire ignited. An amputee, Mattie Sheppard is disabled. Reports show that the home and contents were not covered by insurance.
Family members are asking for assistance from the public. Donations of clothing and furniture would be greatly appreciated. For more information regarding sizes, etc., you may call 931-306-1074.
