Weatherford Democrat
January 26, 2008
Historic home destroyed by fire
by Danie M. Huffman
A Victorian home in the 300 block of Lamar Street was destroyed by an early morning fire Friday.
The home, owned by Brent and Shana Gooden, was built in the late 1800s. The couple was home asleep at the time of the fire.
“We woke to this crackling sound,” Brent Gooden said. “It was like hail hitting the window. At first I thought someone was trying to break in.”
Gooden said as he went to investigate the sound, he saw the home’s rear screened-in porch on fire.
He quickly grabbed a fire extinguisher and told his wife to get out of the house and dial 9-1-1.
“I really thought I could get it under control,” he said. “But smoke was filled in the room to chest high.”
The Gooden’s got out safe with their pet dog and numerous family photographs.
Their children were not home at the time of the fire. No injuries were reported.
When fire personnel arrived, the rear of the home was completely engulfed in flames. 13 Weatherford firefighters responded to the blaze along with volunteers from Greenwood, Hudson Oaks and Central Fire Departments. Aledo firefighters assumed a standby position at the Weatherford station to cover calls.
“We had the fire under control in about 45 minutes,” said Weatherford Fire Chief George Teague. “We had a difficult time getting access to the attic.”
Firefighters remained on scene for about nine hours to extinguish the fire.
“I’d like to thank the firefighters who responded to help,” Teague said. “We can always count on them in any situation and as always, we are grateful.”
The home suffered extreme damage amounting in an estimated $150,000 loss.
Numerous heirloms were saved from the blaze, including a box of antiques belonging to Shana’s grandmother.
Brent Gooden said it was found in the center of a hutch, which was completely surrounded by flames, but the box went untouched.Gooden described the ordeal as a miracle.
“The Lord Jesus is who I thank,” he said. “Our kids weren’t here. We’re alive. There’s no doubt in my mind that He’s the one who saved us. I give Him all the credit.”
The Gooden’s church family arrived within hours to help remove smoke and water damaged items from the home.
“Everyone came to help,” Gooden said appreciatively.
Weatherford Fire Marshal Kurt Harris said the fire originated from the back porch of the home, where the owners set up a heat lamp for a stray cat.
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