We’re just under two weeks from Mississippi’s Giant House Party beginning, and Neshoba County Fair officials are encouraging cabin owners to follow rules set in place following a fire that broke out over the weekend.
The blaze was spotted at a cabin on Sunset Strip on Sunday evening, as reported by The Neshoba Democrat. The outlet added that the cabin is owned by Leigh Lucas Gilliland, and once the flames began to spread within the structure, neighbors rushed to the scene with garden hoses to put out the fire.
Their efforts reportedly prevented the fire from spreading to nearby cabins. First responders from multiple fire departments responded to the scene to take control of the situation.
“Sad day at the Neshoba County Fairgrounds! My heart and Prayers go out to the families this fire affected,” wrote Facebook user Amie Austin, who is related to some of the people who stepped in to help. “Proud of my cousins and other good Samaritans that jumped into action prior to the departments arrival. Luckily their initiative kept the fire under control and from spreading to the neighbors.”
Following the fire, Neshoba County Fair officials promptly reminded cabin owners that rules are in place to prevent incidents like Sunday’s from occurring. The fairgrounds have strict rules about cabin maintenance, when electricity will be turned on for cabin use, and other regulations aimed at ensuring the safety of all on site.
Officials say adherence to these rules would prevent future occurrences, like Sunday’s, from happening.
“There was a single cabin fire on the Neshoba County Fairgrounds late this afternoon. The quick response and actions of the Dixon VFD, Hope VFD, Fairview VFD and the Philadelphia Fire Department kept the fire contained to the single structure. We are most grateful for their quick response and assistance,” officials wrote.
“The Neshoba County Fair Association cannot emphasize enough that the rules and regulations of the Association be followed to prevent occurrences in the future. In the event of emergencies of this nature, please keep roads clear to allow first responders access.”
The fair is scheduled to run June 19-26, about a month earlier than usual, after officials altered the schedule because of the evolving K-12 academic calendar.
