An early morning structure fire has destroyed a home in the Powers Community with a father and daughter barely escaping the burning home. Volunteer firefighters from Powers Fire and Rescue and M&M Fire and Rescue were dispatched by Jones County EOC 911 dispatchers at 1:23 a.m. today. The house was located at #6 Oakwood Drive, which runs off Tanglewood Drive.
Powers Engine 1, Tanker and Command 1 along with M&M Engine 1 and Tanker responded to the call. The homeowner, Robert Easterling, and his daughter, Christy Gomillion, escaped the burning home with just seconds to spare. Easterling was able to escape out of a window and Gomillion escaped out a carport door.
The home was fully involved in flames upon arrival of fire apparatus. Units from the Jones County Sheriff’s Office and Mississippi Power Company also responded to the scene. Fire units remained on scene conducting fire suppression and overhaul operations until almost 4:00 a.m.
There were no injuries reported to either resident or firefighters in the intense blaze. The American Red Cross will be working to assist the displaced residents with emergency needs.
During the fire a separate medical call in the Powers Community was answered by Powers Rescue 2 and EMServ Ambulance Service.