Shortly before 2:30 am on Wednesday the Lawrence County Dispatch received a 911 call reporting a structure fire on Lawrence 239 in the Baltz Subdivision near Black Rock. Initial reports stated the structure was fully engulfed and residents possibly trapped inside.
Black Rock Fire, Lawrence County Sheriff’s Deputies and ambulances were paged to the scene. Firefighters arrived to find several injured victims and a missing juvenile possibly still in the residence. Imboden Volunteer Fire Department was requested for mutual aide. Medical units arrived on scene and began treating the injured as Black Rock firefighters fought the fire.
Imboden firefighters arrived with an engine and began assisting Black Rock with the fire, other firefighters from Imboden began setting up a landing zone on Hwy 117 for a medical helicopter to land. Walnut Ridge Fire Department was requested to set up a second landing zone at Lawrence Memorial Hospital for a second helicopter to land.
Two medical helicopters landed, one near the scene and one at Lawrence Memorial Hospital, two injured victims were flown to Memphis hospitals. Two others were transported by ambulance to St. Bernard’s Medical Center for treatment of injuries. Lawrence County Sheriff’s Investigators along with Sheriff Yates arrived on scene.
At 3:36 am the fatal victim was located by firefighters battling the blaze, the Lawrence County Coroner was called to the scene. Imboden Fire was on scene until 4:43 am assisting Black Rock.
The incident is being investigated by the Lawrence County Sheriff’s Office, the names of the injured and deceased have not been released. The cause of the fire is unknown at this time.
For more information on the Imboden Volunteer Fire Department visit www.imbodenarkansas.com .
For more information on the Lawrence County Sheriff’s Office visit www.lawrencecountysheriffsoffice.com .
For more on the Walnut Ridge Fire Department visit www.walnutridgefd.com .
