High winds and remote location fueled Burns family house fire

Sunnyvale resident Kevin Burns and his family lost their home to fire at 450 Nance Rd. on June 7th.

The 8,000 plus square foot home went up in flames in spite of three fire trucks from Sunnyvale, three trucks from Dallas County, and four from Mesquite responding to the fire.

According to Kallin Pemberton, Fireman for the Town of Sunnyvale, the winds were the main problem. He stated the winds that day were between 35 and 40 miles per hour. The remote location added to the dilemma.

The fire was first spotted by a Dallas County Sheriff who called the Sunnyvale Fire Department to find out if anyone had issued a burn permit.

After determining that no permit was issued, further investigation found the home already fully engulfed in flames.

Sunnyvale fire fighter, Johnny Meeks, was injured in the fire while trying to confirm a rumor that a man was possibly inside. Meeks received 2nd and 3rd degree burns on his shoulder and one arm. Meeks was transported to Parkland Hospital and released the same day.

Sunnyvale Fire Marshall, Walter Clifton, said that the investigation of the fire had been turned over to Dallas County. Evidently, it is routine if Dallas County responds to a fire, it has jurisdiction to investigate the cause.

As of this writing, no determination has been made as to the cause of the fire.

Donations for the Burns family are still being accepted. For information on assisting the family, contact Eva Spera at (214) 649-1475 or Meloney Graham (972) 226-1552.

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