The home of Hollandale resident Carolyn Gaines and her belongings were completely lost to a fire two days before Christmas.
The woman, who lived in the house with her son, had recently made some renovations to the home before the fire erupted Monday evening.
“The fire at 807 Coolidge Street is still under investigation,” Hollandale Volunteer Fire Chief Albert Jernigan said. “The house was a total loss and all the contents.”
Jernigan’s station received the call regarding the fire at 5:39 p.m. The firemen arrived on the scene at 5:43 p.m.
The department is working with State Chief Deputy Fire Marshal Ricky Davis to investigate the incident.
Jernigan said he contacted the American Red Cross about Gaines’ home and belongings being destroyed and he said the organization will be working to possibly provide her some of the relief assistance it offers.
Gaines said American Red Cross was “Johnnie On-The-Spot.”
“They came after my house had been burnt up for about an hour,” she said. “They made sure I had money to get me a place to stay and they wrote down some names and numbers for me to get food and clothing and they are continuing to follow up with me to make sure I’m all right.”
Gaines said overall, she’s in good spirits. “God’s got me,” she said.
