FREE WEEKLY 1168 Hwy 71 S Mena, AR 71953 479.243.9600
Pulse THE POLK COUNTY
October 21, 2020
Your DAILY News Sources: KENA 104.1 FM & MyPulseNews.com
Fire results in heavy losses
For more information on how to donate to the victim of the house fire, visit the Polk County Pulse Facebook page for the fundraiser information.
Photos by Trey Youngdahl By Trey Youngdahl and Jeri Borst
F
lames consumed the residence of Sheila Warner Sunday evening, despite efforts of the Mena Fire Department. The fire at 403 Tenth Street in Mena Sunday, Oct. 18 at 10 p.m. kept a neighborhood in alarm, as well as fire and emergency responders busy. Two individuals were reported in the home and were both able to escape the structure, though one of the residents was treated for smoke inhalation. Mena Fire Chief Steve Egger said though the investigation is ongoing,
he believes the fire was electrical. Emergency responders included 18 Mena Fire Department personnel, assisted by Mena Police Department and Southwest EMS. The call came in at 10:18 p.m. and the first firefighter arrived on scene to a structure completely engulfed, just two minutes after the call. Egger said the 100 year-old home and its contents were fuel to the fire that consumed the structure. In addition to the home, two cars were claimed by the blaze. A neighboring home 10 feet away was able to be protected from the large
flames through the efforts of responders. “Really the response was remarkable. The crews did a great job,” Egger said, noting the fire was contained and suppressed by midnight and crews continued to mitigate hot spots until 3 a.m. Though Warner lost her home, her belongings, her car and her dog, she is alive. Her family is asking the community for support. A Facebook Fundraiser has been established. According to the fundraiser page, “Warner was a hospice nurse for 33
years and retired in 2014. She was the recipient of the Arkansas Hospice Heart award in 2013. She has helped numerous families throughout her life and career and is a very loving and giving woman.” Monetary donations can be made at Arvest Bank under Cherie and Craig Warner. If you would like to donate clothing she wears a size large tops, medium pants (no jeans please), and size 7 shoes. She prefers elastic waist pants, loose fitting tops, and slip on shoes. Contact Tamara Vasquez through Facebook if you are able to contribute.