Fire destroys century-old home, heirlooms

By Deborah Buckhalter

Published: April 29, 2008

A century-old home in Sneads was destroyed by fire Saturday night.

Firefighters sent a deluge of water — more than 35,000 gallons, but could save little of the ‘fat lighter’ house on Gloster Avenue. Built in 1908 of what many refer to as ‘kindling’ wood because of its propensity to burn, the home was heavily damaged.

The critical part of the firefight was over in about an hour, with the house reduced to a skeleton of its former self and its tin roof curled and blackened.

Antique furniture and old family photos went up in flames that night, owner Pug Charles acknowledged.

Fire officials say the fire started in the kitchen. In mere moments after the first flames licked up a wall, the house was engulfed in fire.
As fire crews arrived, ammunition stored in the house began to explode. No one was injured, but some antique, heirloom firearms were among the losses.

Since Gloster Avenue is the route that brings traffic from Interstate 10 into Sneads, northbound motorists were sent back toward the interstate and southbound traffic was routed back toward U.S. 90 as they approached the house. Fire trucks and tankers were parked in the road as firefighters battled the blaze.

Crews came from Chattahoochee, Sneads, Grand Ridge and Jackson County Fire Rescue to assist in the firefight.