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Two Killed In Sunday Morning Fire

Fire fighters from Water Valley, Sylva Rena and Velma rolled equipment to a mobile home fire Sunday morning that claimed the lives of two occupants. Fire fighters from other departments in the county also responded to the blaze that consumed the structure. The fire was on County Road 294, just west of Water Valley. – Photo by John Beshears/Coffeeville Courier

WATER VALLEY – An early morning mobile home fire claimed the lives of two people Sunday on County Road 294, just west of town. Yalobusha County EMA Director Frank Hyde reported multiple fire departments were toned out to a fully-involved single-wide mobile home around 6 a.m.  

Hyde said that firefighters from the Water Valley Fire Department were first on the scene, followed by Sylva Rena and Velma fire departments along with other county volunteers. 

The identities of the two people have not been released by Yalobusha County Coroner Ronnie Stark, who reported DNA testing is pending. Stark explained that although a tentative identification for both fire victims was determined at the scene, the identification will not be verified until the DNA testing is complete. Stark also said he has obtained DNA samples from a family member for each victim, noting this is routine procedure with fire deaths. 

Hyde said that as departments responded, the  dispatcher alerted them that occupants could be  inside the burning trailer.

“The dispatcher said there could be somebody inside, as their vehicles were all in the driveway,” Hyde told the Herald. The EMA Director also reported that a neighbor heard a loud pop and went outside and saw the trailer burning. 

Much of the exterior of the trailer had collapsed when firefighters arrived and they had to extinguish the flames and cool the structure before entering.  Hyde said a dog also died inside the trailer. 

The state fire marshal’s office is assisting the county with the investigation.

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