A look inside Pascagoula fire that burned through local business

Team One Communications – a company that provides communication technology to local agencies and businesses – lost their headquarters after a fire started here around 5:30 on Saturday afternoon. The fire department is right across the street, but Deputy Fire Chief Timothy Stone explains why they were unable to save the building.

“In the fire service, it’s risk versus reward. When we made the initial attack to go inside, it was obvious that there was so much fire inside the building – significant fire load as far as wood and paperwork and everything else,” explained Pascagoula Deputy Fire Chief Timothy Stone. “So, at some point, the metal beams get to a certain temperature and they get hot enough that they start twisting, and that creates collapse potential.”

Unable to get inside, the department began tearing down the metal wall to access the fire.

They knew the building was lost, but firefighters continued to work diligently to keep it contained.

“We don’t have big instances like this often, but we train for it every day for them. And I think that our guys did great,” Stone said.

Despite the fire, Team One Communications made quick adjustments and is back working remotely.

“I mean it’s a setback,” said Jeff Livingston, owner of Team One Communications. “It’s going to be a pain for all of us trying to get through all of this stuff, but for the customers, hopefully, we’re going to do everything to make sure they don’t see any problems. We’re already looking for new locations, so we’re not going anywhere. We’ll be back.”

Team One Communications is moving forward and is grateful for the fire department’s efforts.

“The fire department right across the street here, they’ve been great,” said Livingston. “They’ve been a big help. You know, they were here on the spot. It was just such a hot fire. They did everything they could.”

The cause of the fire is undetermined at this time.