Fatal Overnight Fire
A horrific overnight fire, started from an extension cord, has tragically taken the life of an 82-year-old woman in Gulfport.
A family member reached out to News 25 this morning to confirm Lillie Mae Williams was the woman living in the house. News 25’s Laurene Callander caught up with neighbors and friends this morning who were shocked and devastated from their loss.
Neighbor Renia Pharr said, “I just hate that she left that way. She was so sweet.” Pharr is shocked and still finding it hard to believe that her friend and neighbor Lillie Mae Williams died in a fire in her own home. When Gulfport firefighters arrived at the scene, the 41st Avenue home was fully engulfed with flames and by the time they rushed into the house, it was too late for the 82-year-old resident. “Her daughter said she was bent over, trying to get out the back door but smoke had took her,” said Pharr.
Gulfport Fire Investigator Tim Regan said, “We have discovered through our investigation that the fire started in an extension cord near the wall outlet of the home.”
At age 82, Williams still worked at Gulfport’s Marriott Hotel. Just as she did in 2005, when it was still the Holiday Inn on Highway 90, when Katrina struck. She was one of the few people who managed to escape the building as the hurricane ripped it apart.
While the fire took the life of Lillie Mae Williams, Pharr holds tight to the memory of her neighbor, a woman she fondly remembers as a hard worker who also had a big heart. “I’m glad the Lord placed her in my life because I tell you, it’s good to know good people and especially your neighbor.”
Fire officials urge residents to not overload extension cords and make sure your home has a fire alarm.
A family member reached out to News 25 this morning to confirm Lillie Mae Williams was the woman living in the house. News 25’s Laurene Callander caught up with neighbors and friends this morning who were shocked and devastated from their loss.
Neighbor Renia Pharr said, “I just hate that she left that way. She was so sweet.” Pharr is shocked and still finding it hard to believe that her friend and neighbor Lillie Mae Williams died in a fire in her own home. When Gulfport firefighters arrived at the scene, the 41st Avenue home was fully engulfed with flames and by the time they rushed into the house, it was too late for the 82-year-old resident. “Her daughter said she was bent over, trying to get out the back door but smoke had took her,” said Pharr.
Gulfport Fire Investigator Tim Regan said, “We have discovered through our investigation that the fire started in an extension cord near the wall outlet of the home.”
At age 82, Williams still worked at Gulfport’s Marriott Hotel. Just as she did in 2005, when it was still the Holiday Inn on Highway 90, when Katrina struck. She was one of the few people who managed to escape the building as the hurricane ripped it apart.
While the fire took the life of Lillie Mae Williams, Pharr holds tight to the memory of her neighbor, a woman she fondly remembers as a hard worker who also had a big heart. “I’m glad the Lord placed her in my life because I tell you, it’s good to know good people and especially your neighbor.”
Fire officials urge residents to not overload extension cords and make sure your home has a fire alarm.
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