News Reports

Family loses home after dryer catches fire

By LARRY BINZ, News Editor September 21, 2005

An electrical fire that started in a clothes dryer destroyed a residence in Lyon early Saturday morning leaving a five-member family homeless.

The fire that was reported to the Coahoma County Fire Department at 6:39 a.m. Saturday forced Todd and Shirley Jones and their three children to evacuate the residence on Roberson Road.

Shirley Jones said Monday night she was preparing to take her daughter to work at a local cotton gin about 6:30 a.m. Saturday when she heard "a popping and frying" sound coming from the dryer.

She said it appeared to have been a wiring short since the lint screen was kept clean after each use.

Jones said the couple escaped the fire with "some photos and the clothes on our backs."

The couple had lived in the residence for about seven years.

CCFD Capt. Jimmy Williams said the residence was fully involved with fire when three pumpers and firefighters arrived.

Williams said the dryer was in a wash room. The structure sustained an estimated $25,000 in damage.
The family found temporary quarters in a local motel.

To assist the family, the Todd and Shirley Jones Benefit Fund has been set up at First National Bank, P.O. Box 220, Clarksdale, MS 38614.