March 28, 2008
Colquitt County--Several people in Colquitt County are homeless after a fire destroyed their mobile home early this morning.
The fire happened around 1 AM at 162 Pearlie Knight Lane.
According to neighbor Winston Walden, he says a loud popping noise woke him up, so he immediately got out of bed.
When he looked outside he saw his neighbors' house on fire. He quickly rushed over to the mobile home and rescued Chris Johns and Linda Rogers from their burning trailer.
"I saw the thing smoking, and I said 'Oh, my God.' So I went over there and snatched that back door open and the boy fell out in my arms. Then we had to get in there and pull his momma out. She was wrapped up in blankets but finally got her to the door," says Winston Walden.
"Winston was a hero tonight. It's all him. If it hadn't been for him, two people probably wouldn't have been alive tonight," says Eric Freeman, a nearby neighbor.
The Colquitt County Fire Department responded to the scene within minutes. They believe the fire started in the kitchen but the official cause remains under investigation.
The Red Cross is providing the victims with temporary shelter. Both were treated at the hospital for smoke inhalation.
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