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	Logandale Home Burns

	By Kylea McMurray Moapa Valley Progress Fire broke out at a local residence on Airport Road about 10:00 p.m. on Friday, March 21. The home of Roland and Tammy Smith was almost completely destroyed by the fire. The family was away from home, however, David Walkner, a family friend who also resides with the Smiths, was in the house when the fire started. Walkner was helped to safety before the flames engulfed the house. The fire started in the kitchen area, and it was several minutes before passersby realized that there was a problem. As the flames licked the roof, several people stopped at the house, just as members of the Smith family came home. The passersby and the family rushed to help 91 year-old David Walkner out of the house, and to free several fair animals from a pen next to the house. They spent the next few minutes waiting for fire trucks, and alerting family members. Family arrived to help and comfort, and the volunteer fire-fighters were not far behind. Overton station #74 was first on the scene followed closely by Logandale station #73. Trucks from Moapa station #72 also responded to the scene. It took nearly half an hour and several fire trucks to drive back the flames to gain entry into the house. Firefighters worked on until about 1:00 a.m. to be sure that all the hotspots were fully extinguished. When family members were finally able to go inside, they found most of the interior of the home and its contents was destroyed. However, as in all tragedies there were heroes who stopped to help. High School senior Ryan LaGrow was the first of passersby to stop and see what he could do. It was LaGrow who called the fire department, helped move the family and their vehicles away from the house, and freed the animals. The next heroes to arrive on the scene were the volunteer fire-fighters. Their response was swift and efficient. They doused the flames, checked on each of the family members and took care of the family pets, all with tranquility and precision. The Smiths were then well taken care of by friends, family and neighbors, who provided assistance for their immediate needs. Many stopped to see what they could do and where they could help. Thanks to many concerned friends, all of the family members are safe and secure, and they will eventually be back on their feet again. The cause of the fire is still under investigation.