Shortly after 1 a.m. Thursday, March 30, 2023, drivers along I-49 called Jasper County E-911 reporting a structure fire just south of Baseline Blvd to the east of the interstate.
Jasper County Deputies, Jasper Fire & Rescue and Mercy Ambulance responded emergency to a residence east of County Road 137 and Pine Road.
Area agencies responding as mutual aid include: Carthage Fire, Tri-Cities Fire, Avilla Fire and Golden City Fire.
Deputies first on scene were told by neighbors the resident was home since the vehicle was parked out front as normal. However the fire was too involved to attempt entry.
With a steady wind at 10 mph from the south smoke was thick enough to cover I-49 at times.
Firefighters began a tanker rotation to work on the 1-story wood framed double wide home.