PANSEY FAMILY LOSES EVERYTHING IN HOUSE FIRE

A Wiregrass family is left with nothing but ashes after a fire destroyed their home. The Houston County family lost everything, but escaped without injury when their house burned. Pansey volunteer firegighters received a call about 4:20 a. m., and upon arriving ten minutes later, found the home on County Road 8, fully involved in flames. Pansey Fire Chief Brandon Givens said the fire started around 4:00 a. m., caused by a short-circuit in the breaker box. The mother of three was awakened by a loud noise, and she smelled smoke. She then alerted her husband and children, and all family members got out unharmed. The Abneys escaped with just their lives, and the house was not insured, so everything was lost. The fire was still burning well into the late morning, with a 20-foot fire break plowed around it, and nothing left but a swing set, trampoline, and not much else. It is a real tragedy for the children, two boys, age 4 and 5, and a girl, 3. Chief Givens says the kids really need clothes right now. Donations may be made directly to the Abney family, or through the Wiregrass Chapter of the American Red Cross. The sizes needed are size 5 and 6 shirts and pants, and size 12 and 13 shoes for the boys. For the girl, size 2-T clothes and size 8 shoes. Fire officials are still estimating the damage, and investigating the cause of the fire.