Shed Burns But Firefighters’ Quick Response Saves House

Three local fire departments responded to a fire near Muldoon on Wednesday that destroyed a shed and thousands of dollars worth of contents.

Muldoon Volunteer Fire Department initially received the call around 9:27 a.m. reporting a shed on fire on Boulton Creek Rd. near Muldoon. The property owner, Deborah Drastata, said she was feeding animals when she heard a “pop” coming from her shed. The shed sat near her residence. By the time she got to the shed, it was engulfed in flames.

“There was no saving it,” she said.

Drastata said the fire was so hot that it began melting items on the porch of her cabin. The first Muldoon firefighters who arrived were able to knock down the flames and protect the cabin.

Muldoon Fire Chief Stephen Kelly called for assistance from Flatonia Fire and Rescue and La Grange Volunteer Fire Department. Muldoon VFD responded with two fire trucks. Flatonia Fire and Rescue sent another pair of fire trucks. In all, 10 firefighters from the two departments responded.

Fortunately, the Muldoon and Flatonia firefighters were able to get the blaze under control before the La Grange firefighters arrived.

Drastata said the shed contained three freezers full of pork and venison, which she was planning to make into sausage this weekend. The fire canceled those plans. The fire also destroyed her woodworking tools, a washer and dryer, beekeeping equipment and numerous antiques, including a Victrola record player. Drastata estimated her loss at $30,000. She said the shed and contents were not insured.

Both Kelly and Drastata said they believe the fire started from a heat lamp. Drastata said she installed a heat lamp in the shed to keep her dogs warm at night.

Drastata praised the firefighters for saving her cabin.

“These guys are great,” she said. “It could have been a lot worse. I can’t thank them enough.”

Kelly wished to thank Fayette Electric Cooperative. He said an FEC crew saw the smoke and arrived before firefighters to cut the power.

The last firefighters cleared the scene around 11:10 a.m.

Kelly, who also serves as president of the Fayette County Firefighters Association, said many local fire departments, including his in Muldoon, desperately need new volunteers, especially those who can respond to fires during the daytime. He said many Muldoon firefighters work out of town. Others cannot leave their jobs to respond to fires. Kelly praised the employers who allow their workers to serve as volunteer firefighters.

“My employer lets me go,” Kelly said. “One of our guys works for Flatonia ISD, and he’s allowed to go. Another one works for Waelder ISD, and they let him go. If it wasn’t for that, we wouldn’t have anyone on the call today.”