Culkin Volunteer Fire Department Capt. Chuck Tate takes a break from the heat and flames engulfing a mobile home at 305 Boy Scout Road Monday. Firefighters from Culkin, Fisher Ferry and Northeast volunteer fire departments worked the fire for about three hours.(Melanie Dunca Thortis The Vicksburg Post)

[6/9/03]A Warren County man was cut Monday when he jumped through a window to escape flames inside his home which was destroyed by the blaze.

Tony Smithey, who works nights, said he was asleep and did not know what woke him, but he was thankful he woke up in time to flee the residence at 305 Boy Scout Road.

“Smoke was already in our bedroom,” said Kathy Smithey, Tony Smithey’s wife, who was in summer-school classes at Mississippi College when the fire was reported to authorities at 11:54 a.m. She said her husband went back to try to save their dog, but was unable to unlock the front door.

Tony Smithey was released from River Region Medical Center after treatment, a hospital spokesman said. While looking over his damaged home, Smithey pointed to his bandages and guessed he had more than 80 stitches.

“The doctor finally stopped counting,” he said.

The Smitheys have lived in the home for five years with their three children, who were at a family member’s home. They will stay with a relative who lives nearby until further plans are made, Kathy Smithey said.

“We’re going to sit down, brainstorm and regroup to find out what we can do,” she said.

Volunteer firefighters from Culkin, Fisher Ferry and Northeast volunteer fire departments worked for 4 1/2 to fight the flames, but were unable to salvage the home.

“It’s gutted,” said Kelly Worthy, Warren County volunteer fire coordinator. “There is nothing left inside,”

Yet Smithey remained optimistic. “We lost everything,” she said. “But we trust in the Lord that he will take care of us. You think about the material things, but in the end as long as he’s OK … we’ve been very blessed today,” she said.

The cause of the fire was under investigation, Worthy said.

Beverly Connelly, who heads the American Red Cross’ local chapter, said donations will be accepted at Bovina Baptist Church, U.S. 80, for the Smitheys and their three sons, who are ages 9, 7 and 5. Boys’ clothes in sizes 16 to 18 and 6 to 8, shoes in children’s size 13 and young man’s size 6, ladies’ clothes in size 22 and shoes in size 8 and men’s pants in size 36 waist, 32 length, extra-large shirt and 10 1/2 shoe were lost in the fire and are needed, she said. The church’s Rev. Chip Starnes is helping coordinate the donations, Connelly added.