“We were terrified during the fire,” said Mrs. F.D. Shackelford today about her family’s plight and quick rescue by Marion Police Chief Charles Edward Thursday when the four-member family was trapped in the upstairs of a two-story apartment at 1001 N. Market. “We were calm and relieved when we went through a window onto the roof and saw the police car stop,” she said in a soft southern accent.

“We were very fortunate and thankful,” said the native of Greensboro, N.C. as she survived damages to her belongings today. Police Chief Edwards used an extension ladder from a fire truck in rescuing the 28-year-old housewife and three children, Terry Ann 6, Leon 3, and a one year-old baby.

“My husband left Wednesday for New Mexico to begin work on a construction project,” Mrs. Shackelford said. The family stayed in the apartment Thursday night but is seeking a new residence today. “We recently purchased a home here,” she said, “but it is not finished yet.” “I was scared when I realized the apartment was on fire,” she said. “I was watching television and the children were playing when I began to smell smoke,” she recalled. “I opened the door to the stairs and smoke poured in,” she said.

“We got onto the roof and it was all over in a matter of minutes,” she reported. “I was drying my hair and dozing when smelled smoke,” said Mrs. Carl Deaton in whose apartment the fire apparently started. Marion Fire Chief Lonnie Dungey said the fire apparently broke out at the gas stove in the Deaton apartment.

“This is the second fire we have been involved in recently,” she said. “My house on Court Street burned up July 1,” she said. “We might as well pitch a tent,” the housewife said. “I called the fire department and rushed outside to move the car,” she said. “I couldn’t find the car keys. Some men from the crowd that gathered pushed my car from danger,” she said.

Mrs. Deaton had not completed a survey of damages this morning. She and her husband, who is a cab driver, are staying at her mother’s home. The Marion fire department and Police Chief Edwards arrived at the rambling frame apartment building about 2 pm. The Deaton apartment was gutted and charred. The Shackelford apartment suffered smoke damage. Nine persons resided in the building.

(Extracted from local newspapers and compiled by Harry Boyd, posted at http://www.marionfire.us )