By Julie Vaughan, Editor
ROLLING OAKS—A suspicious fire is being investigated by the Van Zandt County Fire Marshal’s office and the State Fire Marshal’s office.
Just after 12:20 a.m. Tuesday, a 9-1-1 call was received that a structure was on fire on Private Road 7029 in Rolling Oaks.
Van Zandt County Fire Marshal Chuck Allen said when fire departments arrived; the single wide mobile home was fully evolved in flames.
“The home owner, Debbie Iddins, was in Lindale. Her son, who had been living with her, but had recently moved out, was in Greenville,” Allen said.
“Upon arrival, fire departments working the structure fire were also attempting to save structures adjacent to the residence,” Allen said. “In the process, ashes from the fire were blown by the southeast winds to a residence located at 199 Private Road 7029,” Allen explained. “That house, which was also a singlewide mobile home, caught fire gutting a bedroom and bathroom. There was also extensive smoke and water damage throughout the house.”
Allen said no one was home at the time of that fire either.
Also, damaged was an out building located on Private Road 7034, and several grass fires were started as a result of the winds and ashes from the fires.
“The cause of the fire is undetermined, but it is suspicious,” Allen continued.
Due to several structures being damaged, the State Fire Marshal’s office was called in to investigate as well as an accelerate detecting canine out of College Station.
“The dog is able to determine multiple types of igniting liquids and it did alert on several areas,” Allen said. “Samples were taken and sent to a forensic lab for analysis. If the fire is determined to have been an intentionally set fire, then arson charges will be filed accordingly.”
The investigation continues and anyone with information is encouraged to contact their local law enforcement or the Van Zandt County Crime Stoppers at (903) 567-7867.
Fire departments responding to the scene included Rolling Oaks, Wills Point, West Tawakoni, Cash, Tawakoni South and Ables Springs.
The American Red Cross assisted as well as the Wills Point Police Department, Van Zandt County Sheriff’s Office and the Van Zandt County Sheriff’s Posse.
