A local family has been displaced after their south Monroe County home was destroyed by an early morning fire.
Monroe County Emergency Services responded to a report of a fire at a single-story, ranch-style home at 53 Benton Road at 7:26 a.m. this morning (Wed., June 9).
When the first fire truck arrived at the home, there was a visible blaze coming from the right side of the home. All eight occupants, including five minors, were able to escape the home safely, and none of the occupants were injured.
Willie and Tena Hudson and their six children ranging from 3 to 22 years old were inside the home at the time of the fire. Tena Hudson, who said she believes the fire originated from her refrigerator, was alerted to the fire due to her smoke alarm going off. Tena Hudson’s bedroom door was closed, which assisted in enabling Willie Hudson and their youngest child to escape through the bedroom window.
Seventeen firefighters, full-time and volunteer, assisted with putting out the blaze. One Monroe County firefighter on scene became overcome with heat exhaustion and extreme dehydration and had to be transferred by ambulance to Monroe County Hospital. Fortunately, the firefighter is expected to make a full recovery.
The damaged home, which is listed at just under 1,500 square feet on the county’s tax map, was built in 2004. The homeowner, Jeanette Mosley, who is Tena Hudson’s mother, was not present at the time of the fire. Tena Hudson said her family has lived in the home since it was built.
The regional chapter of the American Red Cross will be assisting the Hudsons. More information will be provided when it becomes available on how members of the general public can help them as well.
