BY MARY JANE FARMER

HERALD DEMOCRAT

Three times on Tuesday, Grayson County area firefighters were called out to house fires, each different in its fight and each with different results.

In Sherman, a two-story, now-abandoned Victorian-style home was destroyed by fire. Flames were rampant throughout the second story and attic at 423 N. Cleveland when firefighters arrived in the morning. It soon began dropping burning debris to the first floor, which spread rapidly around that portion, as well.

Engines from all five fire stations were called to the scene. Sherman firefighters also kept a hose on the nearest house, and that kept it from damage.

"We have information that the homeless has been using that house for shelter throughout the past few months," Jones said.

He added that their investigation has determined the fire was set, but rather if were accidental or intentional is yet to be determined.

The house was built in 1910 and was 3,000 square foot in size, according to the Grayson County tax rolls. It was on the books with a total evaluation of $31,323, divided into a land value of $8,539, and a house value of $14,784.

Jones said that with Sherman Public Works' help, they "brought the house all the way down to reduce the hazard of someone getting hurt."

About 5:15 a.m. Tuesday in Van Alstyne, a couple woke up to the smell of smoke, followed by the sounds of their dog barking and a smoke alarm. The couple got out of their house on Texana (formerly South College) Street safely and called for help.

Van Alstyne firefighters first saw smoke when the first four firefighters arrived, that smoke coming out of the north and west sides of the single-story home. Flames could be seen through the windows, said Lt. Derrick Miller, the commanding officer at the scene.

In all, 10 firefighters responded, some paid and some volunteers, and that allowed Miller to let their backup agencies return to their own cities.

About 5:45 a.m., Miller called for the assistance of the American Red Cross, which sent a canteen truck to the scene for both the family's and the firefighters' benefit.

Early Tuesday afternoon in Gunter, Gunter firefighters were called to a house by a neighbor who saw smoke coming from the ceiling. Flames were minimal there, said Gunter Fire Chief Kevin Price, and they were able to get it under control within minutes of their arrival.

"It helps to have firefighters at the station," Price said, referring to the volunteer status of the Gunter Fire Department. "Their response time was quick, three minutes to pull out of the station and two more minutes to arrive at the scene."