Man Loses Home, Possessions in Massive Fire, LIVINGSTON, June 11, 2008 - At approximately 8:30 pm on June 11, 2008, a structure fire was reported on 1911 Tom Cummins Road (right off 190 East, about 2 miles down). When fire fighters from the Livingston Volunteer Fire Department first arrived on the scene, they reported that the double wide mobile home was fully involved. Another fireman told PolkCountyToday.com that when he first arrived, the mobile home was engulfed in a giant ball of fire. Firefighters were able to douse the flame but not before the double wide was totaled. The owner of the home, Ronnie Hooks, 49, of Livingston could only sit and watch as his home and possessions were torched. Understandably, Hooks seemed to go in and out of what appeared to be a state of shock, hardly talking, but would say one or two words to emergency personnel, and then drift into shock again. Hooks was at home when the fire started but managed to get out safely. He was however treated by EMS personnel from Americare Ambulance Service and transported to Livingston Memorial Hospital. Several fire engines responded to the call and a surplus of volunteer firemen. Also at the scene was Deputy Jamie Johns of the Polk County Sheriff's Department. The fire was out by around 9 pm but firemen continued to douse hot spots at the charred structure. It is not yet known if Hooks had insurance. The cause of the fire is under investigation.
