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SHELBY COUNTY, Tenn. — Just days before Christmas, a family’s home in Atoka was destroyed by a fire Wednesday, just five months after they moved in.
Jimmie Dozier and Heather Price were asleep when the smoke detector started going off in the 9700 block of Highway 51 just south of the Shelby-Tipton County line. They managed to get out a back door.
“As soon as we opened the door we did have some oxygen bottles in there which exploded,” said Chief Henry Posey with the Atoka Fire Department. “That made it hazardous for crews trying to make entry into the building.”
One of the bottles flew like a missile onto Jimmie Dozier’s car, denting the roof.
The couple said their clothing, furniture and Christmas presents were gone. Their two teenage daughters who attend Millington High School also live in the home, but were at school when the fire happened.
“It’s tough anytime of the year, but especially during the holiday season’s its rough,” Posey said.
Dozier’s sister, Melinda Harper, is trying to assist them. Call 901-212-0220 to help.
The Red Cross has been notified. The cause has not been identified.
