Turrell man killed in house fire

Turrell man killed in house fire

Memorial Day weekend blaze claims longtime city resident

news@theeveningtimes.com

The City of Turrell is mourning the death of a local man who died in a house fire Friday evening.

Around 9 p.m., fire crews were called to a home in the 300-block of Eureka Street. According to reports, the home was already fully engulfed in flames when firefighters arrived. Crews from multiple departments answered the call.

The homeowner, Jimmy Bailes, was still inside the home. Firefighters and rescue workers were unable to save him.

According to a KAIT TV news report, Turrell Mayor Dorothy Cooper and others in the community were heartbroken when they found out that Bailes, a resident in the community for more than 50 years, had died in the blaze.

Cooper said Bailes was a great man who was wellknown in the entire community.

“Just keep remembering Mr. Jimmy,” said Cooper.

“How nice and how kind he was, how giving. If you can do anything be the person that he was, helping others.”

Marion Fire Department was among the responding crews that fought the fire.

Fire Chief Woody Wheeless described the fire as “fully involved” and the residence a “total loss.” Cooper said she is waiting on a report from the Marion Fire Department and other officials to determine what exactly happened. The cause of the fire is being investigated.

By the Evening Times News Staff