2009-12-24

Fire destroys manufactured home in Polly Peak area

By Carol L. Smith

The Bandera Volunteer Fire Department was dispatched to a structure fire at 320 Frontier Lane off Polly Peak Drive on Monday, Dec. 21 at 10:08 pm. When the firefighters arrived on the scene at 10:11 pm, the manufactured home was fully engulfed in flames.

A total of 33 firefighters from the three volunteer departments of Bandera, Pipe Creek and Lakeshore battled the blaze until it was brought under control at 12:40 am. Two deputies with the Bandera County Sheriff’s office and three Bandera EMS personnel were also called to the scene.

Janice Saunders, who had been living in the home since the first of May, lost everything in the fire, including three of her dogs. One dog, a large Bouvier des Flandres, and Saunders’ horse, survived the blaze.

She had recently sold a home and was living in the rental while deciding on a more permanent residence.

A close friend of over 30 years, Jane Schauer of Medina, was at the scene the next day, helping Saunders pick through the debris and rubble. “She’s lost everything,” said Schauer, “the only clothes she has are two pairs of slacks and a pair of jeans at the dry cleaners.” Saunders will stay with Schauer until she gets back on her feet.

BCSO Sgt. Gerald “Jerry” Johnson was the first law enforcement officer on the scene. Johnson, who lives across the street from Saunders, reported the fire. Second to arrive was John Stith, Bandera County’s new fire marshal.

“The coordination between the departments is really great,” Stith said. “We had all our bases covered.” He noted that EMS personnel stood by with support capabilities mainly for the firefighters, as Saunders had exited the home quickly and wasn’t physically injured.

This was Stith’s first call as the new fire marshal. Brad Cummings Sr. of Bandera VFD was designated incident commander. Members of the Lakeshore VFD provided tanker support, bringing additional water to the scene.

Recently retired Fire Marshall Ralph Dresser also lent support and assisted Stith with his first call. “I’m surprised it hadn’t happened sooner, with all the cold weather we’ve been having,” said Dresser.

The cause of the fire is undetermined and still under investigation.