Fire Drives Family from Home in Sallisaw

A Sallisaw family was displaced but suffered no injuries when a fire destroyed their rented home at 805 N. Walnut Tuesday evening.

The family of Darlene Burton, which included her grandson and his two sons, were able to escape from the burning home uninjured, reported Sallisaw Fire Chief Anthony Armstrong.

Armstrong said Wednesday morning that the cause of the fire is still under investigation, but it was believed to have begun in the garage and laundry room of the home.

The fire department was dispatched at 7:37 p.m. Armstrong said. He added that when firefighters arrived the garage area was fully engulfed in flame. The fire then spread to the attic, Armstrong said.

“We had two attack teams, one at the garage and another went in the front door to attack the fire in the attic,” Armstrong reported.

Firefighters had the fire extinguished by 9:15 p.m. Armstrong said.

He said the Red Cross was called to assist the family with obtaining lodging and other necessities.

Armstrong said the fire was found when Burton told her family she smelled smoke. Her grandson then found the garage in flames, and the family ran from the home. A neighbor called 911 Armstrong said.

He added, “We were able to recover some personal items from the home for the family.”

The home is owned by Belinda Riggs, he said. The firefighters also extinguished a grass fire that extended from the house fire into nearby trees, causing concern among neighbors.

“We try to take care of the people as best we can,” Armstrong said.

Sally Maxwell, Senior News Director

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