The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.
by Jennifer Dance, The Quill Staff
Tuesday evening, January 18, a fire at Ronnie Johnson's in rural Stronghurst took a great deal of equipment, but protection came for things far greater.
Ronnie was not home at the time of the fire. The following is an account from Nicole, Ronnie's daughter.
Scott Ludington, Nicole's boyfriend was on his way to the farm after running an errand in town when he noticed a glow coming from the east side of Ronnie's shop. Scott opened the door of the shop and saw that the ceiling as well as the combine was on fire. He had Nicole call the fire department immediately.
"At the time it seemed like it took forever, but I know they (the fire department) got here as fast as they could," Nicole said.
"I got down on my hands and knees and prayed to God that He would not take the house and He didn't. I wrote a personal note of thanks to the firefighters for saving the house. I am so thankful for what they did."
After calling the fire department, Nicole, her daughter Mackenzie and Scott ran outside. As Nicole was running away from the fire, she slipped and the right side of her body broke her fall.
"When we were running out of the house, we were actually pinged by hot embers from the fire," Nicole said.
Soon after, Nicole heard several explosions caused by the diesel fuel in the combine.
Scott was able to pull out two trucks from the garage, but several other vehicles and tractors were taken in the fire.
A three-wheeler, 2 dirt bikes, a motorcycle, a bailer, planter, a 20 foot mower, the combine and a truck that was parked in the shop were all lost.
The vinyl siding on the south side of the house melted. The porch windows were blown out and a wrap - around deck was damaged by the fire.
The machine shed, shop and garage were unsalvageable.
Nicole was eventually taken by ambulance to the hospital. It was thought that she had suffered some torn ligaments in her knee as well as a stress fracture in her wrist from her fall. X-rays were taken and it was found that she suffered no injuries.
Dan Mowen and Audrey Corey assisted her in the ambulance while Ralph Tatge drove.
She reported that there was no smoke damage inside the house and that no animals were hurt.
During the interview, Nicole had a great deal of appreciation in her voice. Through something so horrific, she was able to see the blessings God had given them.
A wood stove in the shop is thought to have started the fire. The buildings were covered by insurance.
The MST and Gladstone/Gulfport Fire Departments assisted in the fire.