Christmas Day fire

A Toronto family lost all of their belongings in a Christmas day fire on Wednesday, Dec. 25. Shortly before 8 a.m., fire crews responded to 108 N. Jackson, in Toronto. According to Josh DeHoux, Toronto Fire Chief, the home was fully engulfed shortly after their arrival. Crews were able to contain the blaze to the structure and detached garage; however, all belongings, including a family dog, were lost. The home is owned by Jimmy Smith, who resided in the home with his two grandsons. Chief DeHoux noted that approximately 50,000 gallons of water was used to contain the fire, that had crews on scene until 4 p.m. Christmas Day. Assisting Toronto City Fire were Toronto Fire Auxiliary, Woodson County Rural Fire, Woodson County Sheriff’s Office deputies, Woodson County Ambulance, Toronto City Water superintendent, Yates Center Water Department and Woodson County Emergency Management. The American Red Cross was contacted to assist the family. The cause of the fire remains under investigation. Photo by Kathy Cummings.