Mobile home damaged in fire; children rescued

A mobile home was heavily damaged in a blaze Friday morning, but three young children who were playing in a bedroom where the fire started are safe.

The fire started around 9 a.m. in a mobile home owned by Ann Batesel on CR 342 east of Tecumseh. The home was occupied by Ann's daughter Alethia Watson. Three children, ages 1-3 were playing in a bedroom. A friend, Danielle Parmenter, went into the bedroom and saw the mattress on fire and immediately grabbed the kids and took them out of the home.

Officials believe the fire's origin was an electrical outlet in the bedroom.

Tecumseh, Bakersfield and Caulfield fire departments responded to the blaze and were able to save much of the mobile home.

Parmenter said the family was without clothes and diapers for the children.

"All of the kids' clothes and most of mine were destroyed," she said.

Anyone wishing to donate clothes can call the families at 417-293-3194. Clothing sizes range from 18 months to 7/8 for the kids and sizes 0-3 and sizes 15-18 for the women.

<p>Tecumseh VFD chief Jack Daugherty sprays a mobile home on CR 342.</p>