A Center family is homeless this morning after their double-wide mobile home was destroyed by fire overnight.

According to Center Fire Chief Keith Byndom, his department received a 9-1-1 call around 11:30 p.m. to the David and Shanna Whitten home on County Road 3047, just off Hwy. 87 south of Center.

Chief Byndom said an electrical shortage in a add-on portion of the structure appears to be the cause of the blaze. He said when Ms. Whitten called for help she reported the residence was fully involved. The Whittens were able to escape unharmed. The Shelbyville VFD assisted with water to help extinguish the fire.

Nearby, Friday afternoon, Center Firemen battled another house fire on Hwy. 87 south of Loop 500. The kitchen area of the brick home of Judy Shields was reported to be fully involved in flames when fireman arrived around 5:15 p.m. 

According to fire department personnel, the blaze originated in that part of the structure, which received heavy damage.

A quick assault of the flames kept the fire damage confined.

However, there was substantial smoke and water damage reported throughout.

Ms. Shields had just finished her bus driving route for Center ISD and had not made it back home when the fire was reported. Firemen cleared the scene by 7:45 p.m.