Fatal Fire Near Duncan Kills 1, Injures 3
By: Ryan Robertson
Updated: October 12, 2012
Smoke billowed from what remained of a home in rural Stephens County, where early Friday morning, authorities responded to a fully engulfed house fire.
"As my deputies arrived, we learned that there were four individuals in the home," said Sheriff Wayne McKinney, "at least one individual was bound by a wheelchair, a 69-year-old male."
That man was identified by family members as Henry Bernard.
They said he was a former volunteer fire fighter and retired preacher who loved nothing more than to preach, pray, and fish.
"These people are well known," said Duncan Fire Department's Assistant Chief Kevin Hammack, "They've got family members that have been firefighters. It just kind of touches us all."
Officials said a woman, who was identified by family members as Henry's wife Bernice, and two girls were also in the house when the blaze broke out.
The girls made it out, and that's when family members said Henry's son, David, and grandson, Craig, ran back into the burning structure.
Despite severe burns to their feet, the men pulled Bernice from the flames.
But Henry, who was in a wheelchair, couldn't be saved.
Hours after fire crews left the scene, the piles of ash and rubble continued to smolder. Proof of just how hot the blaze really was.
Officials said it makes makes it just that much more heroic that two men went back inside the house to rescue their family members.
"I believe that's a heroic act," said Assistant Chief Kevin Hammack, "to put yourself in danger, try to save somebody else."
Heroism which the family, and this area, won't soon forget.
Reporter's Notes by Ryan Robertson:
According to family members, Henry Bernard's son and grandson were treated for the burns on their feet and released.
Bernice Bernard remains in Oklahoma City where she is being treated for burns on her back and smoke inhalation.
"As my deputies arrived, we learned that there were four individuals in the home," said Sheriff Wayne McKinney, "at least one individual was bound by a wheelchair, a 69-year-old male."
That man was identified by family members as Henry Bernard.
They said he was a former volunteer fire fighter and retired preacher who loved nothing more than to preach, pray, and fish.
"These people are well known," said Duncan Fire Department's Assistant Chief Kevin Hammack, "They've got family members that have been firefighters. It just kind of touches us all."
Officials said a woman, who was identified by family members as Henry's wife Bernice, and two girls were also in the house when the blaze broke out.
The girls made it out, and that's when family members said Henry's son, David, and grandson, Craig, ran back into the burning structure.
Despite severe burns to their feet, the men pulled Bernice from the flames.
But Henry, who was in a wheelchair, couldn't be saved.
Hours after fire crews left the scene, the piles of ash and rubble continued to smolder. Proof of just how hot the blaze really was.
Officials said it makes makes it just that much more heroic that two men went back inside the house to rescue their family members.
"I believe that's a heroic act," said Assistant Chief Kevin Hammack, "to put yourself in danger, try to save somebody else."
Heroism which the family, and this area, won't soon forget.
Reporter's Notes by Ryan Robertson:
According to family members, Henry Bernard's son and grandson were treated for the burns on their feet and released.
Bernice Bernard remains in Oklahoma City where she is being treated for burns on her back and smoke inhalation.
