The ominous, billowing black smoke that was rising from the subdivision behind Gracepoint Academy located on Hwy 167 south was so thick in the evening sky that it could only mean one thing – a house fire . A closer examination proved the suspicion to be correct as a bevy of fire fighters worked frantically to contain the blaze from spreading to any adjacent homes on the block. A tragic scenario, right? Most of the time one would be correct but in this instance the trailer house and adjacent building was actually burned on purpose.
It is all part of the recently implemented joint program of the Jonesboro, Ward 4 and Quitman Fire Departments in conjunction with the town of Jonesboro as part of an effort to “remove the blight” from the area by burning old dilapidated and abandoned buildings that have become eyesores and dangerous.
“This is just the start,” said Jonesboro Fire Chief Brandon Brown. “We have over 30 more structures that are scheduled to be burned in the near future.”
The joint action actually provides a dual purpose as not only does it clean up an otherwise unsightly looking area it also allows for area fire departments to provide training to their full time and volunteer fire fighters. If you would like to participate in the program contact Jonesboro Fire Chief Brandon Brown at (318) 259-5028 or go by the station located at 104 Fourth Street in Jonesboro.
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