Off-duty Vicksburg police officer helps saves home from burning

An off-duty police officer saved a home from burning on Wednesday.

Off duty police officer Bobby Jones saves a house from burning. Photo by David Day

Traffic-1, Bobby Jones has a lawn cutting service and works it on his days off from the city of Vicksburg Police Department. This morning, around 11:30 a.m. Jones arrived at a property on Long Meadow Drive, just off Redbone to cut the grass. When he got out of his work truck he saw smoke at the home across the street. Jones called the fire to 911 dispatchers. Jones also knows the family and after knocking on the door with no response, called the mother telling her the shed was on fire.

The mom was not at home but she called her daughter who was at home. Alaya Burns and Gabriella LeAnn Burns, their adorable dog were at home. Alaya and “Gabby” as they call her were able to quickly get out of the house.

Gabriella LeAnn Burns, no age given, survived the harrowing event. Photo by David Day

Jones grabbed a garden hose and worked on extinguishing the fire until Ladder 15 arrived moments later. Jones had the fire mostly out and firefighters were able to put out the remaining embers and save the structure. While Ladder 15 worked the fire Jones was observed finishing the lawn work across the street.

Bobby jones finished his work while firefighters worked overhauling the fire. Photo by David Day

Ladder 15, Engine 8, Battalion 1, FireMedic 80, Rescue, and numerous Vicksburg Police Department officers including George-1 Claude Billings, were on the scene.