Blaze destroys Slidell home

St. Tammany News

A Slidell man was doing yard work Sunday afternoon when his home was suddenly engulfed in flames.

Herbert Hunter, of 100 Hidden Oaks Drive, said he had been working in the garage when he decided to tackle some gardening. Suddenly he heard a "popping" sound, then the garage ignited.

Members of Fire Protection District 1 responded to the blaze, bringing a ladder truck, a rescue unit and two tankers. With more than two dozen firefighters on the scene, it took just about half an hour to put the fire out.

"The call came in at 3:01 p.m., we had it under control by 3:10 and completely out by 3:34 p.m.," said Chief of Fire Prevention Neil Ricca. "We were there until about 7 p.m. with the investigation."

Another member of the Hunter family was inside at the time but was alerted by a smoke detector and managed to evacuate without injury. Damages are estimated at about $100,000, not including three vehicles that were exposed to radiant heat from the flames.

Ricca said it is still unclear what started the blaze, noting it is too early to speculate yet on the cause.

He is certain, however, the smoke detector saved the lives of the family members.

"I was relieved that people made it out of that house," he said. "A smoke detector really is the best defense anyone can have."