Mom, son lose belongings in smoky trailer blaze
By BARRY HALVORSON bhalvorson@journal-spectator.com

Staff photo by Barry Halvorson The proof, in this case fire suppressant foam, is all over the protective gear of Wharton Fire Department Assistant Chief Scott Stewart after battling a manufactured home fire on S. Caney Drive in Wharton. Stewart said the suppressing foam makes the water "stickier" when trying to smother a fire.

A Wharton woman and her son lost everything when the manufactured home they were living in was gutted by fire late Wednesday morning.

Noria Mitchell said she was using her oven to help warm up the residence at 403A S. Caney Dr. when the blaze happened.

"I had an electric heater in the bedroom, but turned it off because I don't trust them," she said. "I turned on the stove and then left for just a few minutes to go to the store and pick up some ice."

Upon returning, she realized immediately something was wrong.

"The fire was already coming through the window," she said. "I started using the water hose to try and put it out and called 9-1-1 and asked them to send the fire department. The person I talked to told me to back away from the fire because it was electrical in nature."

Staff photo by Barry Halvorson Wharton fire fighters pour on the water and the foam to knock out the blaze that destroyed a manufactured home at 403A S. Caney Drive in Wharton Wednesday morning. The fire is believed to have started in the kitchen of the home and is still under investigation. The residents of the home, Noria Mitchell and her son James Mosby Jr., reportedly lost all of their belongings in the fire but were able to save the family's two dogs.

Wharton Assistant Fire Chief Scott Stewart was one of the first responders on the scene. He said records showed the department received the call at 11:02 a.m., arrived at 11:08 a.m. and firfi.ghters had it out by 11:27 a.m.

"We arrived and the fire was heavy in the middle and starting to shoot out both ends," he said.

"When trailers catch fire, they go up pretty quick if you don't get them right at the beginning. It looked like the fire started in the kitchen area.

The building was so involved, we immediately went defensive trying to make sure that it didn't spread," he added. "We knew the roof was going to collapse and the walls were a danger and we didn't want to risk anyone's life."A

total of nine firfi.ghters responded to the scene with one pumper and one utility truck. Stewart said they laid out 400 feet of five-inch hose to connect to the nearest hydrant. Mixed with the water being poured onto the blaze was Class A foam.

"We use foam on all Class A fires, which involve ordinary combustibles," he said. "That list includes wood, fabric, insulation - a lot of the materials used to build a home. We use the foam because it helps the water 'stick' better and is more effective in smothering the flames."

Both Mitchell and her son, James Mosby Jr., were out of the house when the fire started, but her two pet dogs were still inside.

"I broke out a window and got both the dogs out before the fire department got here," she said. "It is hard enough to lose everything you own, but it would have been really devastating to have lost the dogs because they are such a part of the family."

Going back over the debris, Mitchell said all of the family's clothing along with their medicines and money were lost in the blaze.

"We found some coins, but that's about it," she said.

By Wednesday, Mitchell had lined up housing, saying her landlord had found another trailer and she had received the donation of a kitchen table and a bed for her son.

She said the Red Cross had also provided a cash card to purchase food and clothes.

"We really appreciate the help, but it's hard to find clothes for my son," she said. "He's over six-and-a-half feet tall and wears a size 6X in shirts and the local stores don't carry anything that big. We feel blessed to be alive and appreciate everything that's been done for us, but we are starting with absolutely nothing and need everything."

Wharton County Red Cross Coordinator Francis Gonzales said one of the agencies volunteers was on the scene between 30 and 45 minutes after learning of the fire and confirmed presenting a card to the family.

She said the cards have replaced the vouchers previously used. The Red Cross also made arrangements for temporary living quarters.

"They found another mobile home, but they won't be able to get the electricity turned on until Monday, so we've made arrangements for them to have a hotel room," she said.

She added the Red Cross is in constant need for local volunteers for their Volunteer Disaster Action Team. People interested in volunteering can contact Gonzales at 832-277-4391.

Persons interested in making a contribution of clothes, furniture or other items or making a cash donation to the Mitchell family can contact them by calling 532-5935 or 979-257-6814.