A Paola home was destroyed by a huge fire last evening that firefighters had to fight in the bitter cold. Paola Fire Chief, Andy Martin, says crews were called to 903 Milrose in the Heatherwood Estates shortly before 6:00 yesterday evening and upon arrival, found the house completely engulfed in flames. Martin says he has only seen three fires like this in Paola in his entire career.
After learning no one was home at the residence, his crews took a defensive approach to save damage to the neighboring homes to the north. They were able to save them, but Martin says several homes in the area may have slight damage from blowing embers. Martin says if the wind had been blowing the other direction there would have been bigger problems.
The house was completely destroyed. Paola Fire used a lot of resources on the fire. Using Tower 2, Engine 3, Engine 5 and Heavy Rescue and an engine crew from the Louisburg Fire Department assisted Paola. The cause of the fire is not known; however, the State Fire Marshall will be on scene today investigating.
