Tangipahoa Parish Fire District #1 firefighters raced to the scene of a house fire on Highway 51 in Fluker on Monday, July 26. The call came in to 911 at approximately 6:15 in the morning, with TPFD and Roseland Volunteer Fire Department being toned out just seconds later.

Firefighters arrived on scene to find an adult woman, three small children, and two puppies standing under an oak tree in awe as they watched their home continue to be engulfed in flames. Under the direction of Chief Bruce Cutrer and District Chief George Coxen, the firefighters were able to extinguish the fire in a minimal amount of time. Unfortunately, they were not able to save the home.

Chief Cutrer stated that it appeared the fire originated from a window air conditioner unit located on the south end of the home. The four family members were able to escape to safety through the front door of the home and no injuries were sustained in doing so, Chief Cutrer said.