A Longview resident escaped his burning home Saturday after he first thought someone was breaking in, Oktibbeha County Fire Services Coordinator Kirk Rosenhan confirmed.
No injuries were reported from the Travis Street blaze, but the home was severely damaged and many of its contents destroyed.
Oktibbeha County Sheriff’s Department is investigating the fire, but Rosenhan said the blaze appeared to be accidental.
A sheriff’s deputy arrived at the scene about 12:30 a.m. Saturday after the home’s occupant placed a 911 call. The man, Rosenhan said, awoke from a noise and believed someone was attempting to break into his home.
The occupant attempted to escape the structure after barricading himself in his bedroom, Rosenhan said, but was trapped. He was forced to knock out an air conditioning unit from a window, Rosenhan said, and crawl out to safety.
Central Oktibbeha and Sturgis/District 4 volunteer fire departments arrived at the scene about 15 minutes later and eventually put out the blaze, which Rosenhan said spread to the entirety of the structure’s roof and attic area.
OSERVES is assisting the displaced resident with lodging and other support.
Carl Smith covers Starkville and Oktibbeha County for The Dispatch. Follow him on Twitter @StarkDispatch
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