Mobile home damaged in fire

TOM PINNEY/DAILY FORUM
A mobile home in the Pine Ridge Trailer Court in Maryville was damaged by a fire early Monday. Two people were inside the home when the fire started but were able to get out of harm’s way. No injuries were reported, and the fire was contained within minutes of Maryville Public Safety’s arrival.

A mobile home north of West 16th Street in Maryville was destroyed in an early morning fire Monday.

Maryville Public Safety fire division Captain Phil Rickabaugh said that MPS was dispatched to the Pine Ridge Trailer Court Lot 50 at about 5:50 a.m. By 6:05 a.m., the crew had contained the fire.

MPS contained the blaze on their own. Crews were on the scene for another hour after defeating the flames to ensure no other hotspots were present.

Maryville resident Sharon Riley and her grandson were in the house when the fire started in a bedroom near the front of the house. Rickabaugh said the boy was awakened by the fire, alerting his grandmother of the imminent danger and escaping to safety before firefighters arrived.

Rickabaugh said Riley and her grandson are staying with family until they get back on their feet, and the American Red Cross has committed to helping them recover as their possessions are a total loss.

Rickabaugh noted the fire was accidental. The exact cause is still under investigation.