October 1, 2024
By: Dwayne Page
A Smithville family was devastated by a fire Monday morning which swept through their home causing extensive damage and the loss of two dogs.
The residence of James and Stephanie Baggett at 403 North Mountain Street caught fire while the couple was away however Baggett’s father was home at the time.
According to Smithville Fire Chief Charlie Parker, neighbors spotted the blaze and phoned it in.
Smithville Police quickly arrived on the scene. Knowing someone was inside, officers banged on the door until Baggett’s father answered it. He made it outside safely but was taken after a fall to the hospital to be checked and released. No one was injured.
Chief Parker said the fire appeared to have started in the rear of the home but the cause has not been determined.
The Smithville Fire and Police Departments were joined at the scene by DeKalb EMS.