Firefighters’ efforts help salvage many belongings

• Advocate Baker - Zachary bureau
• Published: Dec 3, 2008 - UPDATED: 12:05 a.m.

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ZACHARY — Firefighters from several departments responded to a Monday night fire that caused heavy damage to a home in Lake Jolie Vue, an East Baton Rouge Parish subdivision north of the city.

Although the two-story structure at 25321 Bickham Road likely will be considered a total loss, Zachary firefighters responded with a quick attack that enabled them to help the homeowner salvage a large amount of personal belongings on the first floor, Fire Chief Boyce Smith said.

“This fire was very difficult to extinguish, but we were able to save a large portion and keep it from burning completely to the ground,” Smith said.

The cause of the fire, which originated about 8 p.m., was still under investigation and undetermined Tuesday afternoon.

The subdivision is in East Baton Rouge Parish Fire Protection District 1, which does not have a fire department but relies on Zachary and Baker’s departments for coverage.

Road access to the development is through an area of East Feliciana Parish along La. 68. Smith said the first fire truck arrived 11 minutes after the initial alarm.

Smith said East Feliciana fire departments in Slaughter, Pecan Grove, Ethel and McManus assisted by sending tank trucks and personnel.

The Baker Fire Department also assisted Zachary by responding to another reported house fire at 1061 Heck Young Road, which was found to be an electrical arc outside the residence, Smith said.