A Center man and a Shelby County Sheriff’s Department Investigator both escaped serious injury Wednesday night when the man’s home was destroyed by fire. The Center Fire Department responded to the call, located in the 18-hundred block of CR 3754 (Old Airport Road) just after 7 o’clock.

According to Center Volunteer Fire Dept. Chief Rodney Matthews, they received a page when enroute that someone may still be inside the burning structure. Matthews said Sheriff’s Dept. Investigator Christopher King fought off the blaze and smoke, and was able to locate the homeowner, Elpidio Hernandez.

Matthews added King and Hernandez exited the structure just before the front porch area was engulfed in flames. Both men inhaled a lot of smoke, but are reported to be OK, as they were treated at the scene by ACE EMS. Center Fireman were on the scene of the fire for over 3 hours, as several others buildings were attached to the mobile home, which hampered efforts to extinguish the blaze. Chief Matthews said the exact cause of the fire is unknown.

By the way, we’re forecast to have another windy day, the Center Fire Department and other area firemen urge you to please burn with caution if you’re outside burning debris. The grass is dead, and coupled with the wind it’s a bad combination for a fire getting out of control. Have a good water supply available and keep a good watch out.