House destroyed in fire early Monday

By John Earp

Last Monday, just after 12:00 a.m., the Jal Volunteer Fire Department (JVFD) was called out to a structure fire on a lot next to Canna Buddha and diagonally across from Dollar General on Third Street, immediately south of the Jal Community Center. When JVFD arrived, the entire structure was engulfed in flames, according to Chief Nick Moody. Moody noted that he had heard from witnesses that there had been a squatter living in the home recently, but no injuries or loss of human life were reported as a result of the fire. Moody said that the cause of the fire was undetermined at this point.

JVFD firefighters were still on scene Monday afternoon, continuing to hose down the smoldering remains of the structure. Thanks to the hard work of JVFD with assistance from Eunice Fire Department, the fire was prevented from spreading to neighboring structures. Jal Fire Chief Nick Moody stated in Monday evening’s city council meeting that the county fire inspector was conducting the inspection, and that determination of the cause of the blaze could take more than a week.