Fire displaces Rochelle family

Members of a Madison County family hope they can soon return to live in their Rochelle home, which was seriously damaged during an April 10 fire.

Firefighters arriving on the scene of the blaze at 170 Shiffletts Corner Lane in Rochelle found the home there engulfed in flames. Their quick work was able to save the two-story, brick structure, but the family now has its hands full cleaning up smoke and water damage.

“They weren’t completely burned out, but they need some more work done before they can move back in,” said the Rev. Maurice Evans, who is both their neighbor and pastor of the church the family attends, Elk Run Baptist Church in Rochelle.

The family – Mary Franklin; her son and daughter, Justin Franklin and Ashley Franklin; and Ashley’s 11-month-old baby, Roman Sims – are staying temporarily at the Madison County residence of Mary Franklin’s mother, Margaret Franklin, Pastor Evans said.

He said they return to the burned home every day. “They do a little of this and a little of that,” he said. “There is a lot of cleaning up to do – smoke got in all the clothes there.”

He said they especially need cleaning supplies, a grocery store card (since they have no way to store groceries), a gas card, baby food and other baby items and monetary donations. To find out how to help the family call (540) 948-3458, (540) 672-9399 or (540) 948-4208.

“The family is soliciting the community’s prayers,” the pastor said.

The Franklins are renting the home from Sadie Crowder, who also lives in the Rochelle neighborhood.

The Rev. Evans said the fire started on the porch, but that he is unsure what or who started it.

At press time, there was also no word from authorities on what caused the fire. Madison County Volunteer Fire Company Chief Jack Fray said last week that the cause of the 1 p.m. blaze was under investigation by the Madison County Sheriff’s Office and that MCSO investigators were taking statements from several witnesses. Madison County Sheriff’s Office Investigator LeiLani Stanley said that there was a suspect in the case, but that no arrests had been made. She would not confirm or deny if arson was believed involved, but said an investigation is continuing.