Vacant Vicksburg home catches fire on Speed Street

VICKSBURG, Miss. – Vicksburg Fire Department responded to a structure fire at the 500 block of Speed Street last night, December 17, 2024. According to Vicksburg Fire Chief Derrick Stamps, the house was vacant and undergoing renovations. No injuries were reported.

“At 10:04 p.m., the Vicksburg Fire Department was dispatched to a structure fire at 508 Speed Street. Upon arrival, firefighters were met with bright flames leaping into the night sky and thick, black smoke billowing from the front of the house,” said Stamps. “Acting swiftly and efficiently, the fire crews mobilized to combat the blaze, using their training and equipment to bring it under control in a short amount of time.”

The fire is currently under investigation.

Watch our live report of the incident below:

On February 2, 2024 the Vicksburg Fire Department responded to the same location for reports of fire, where the body of Earnest Gleece was later discovered. Two people were named persons of interest in that incident, Albert Thomas and Carolyn Mansfield. According to Investigator Kevin Butler with the Fire Marshals Office, Thomas and Mansfield deliberately set the house on fire after arguing with Gleese over drugs.

Carolyn Mansfield was arrested and charged with arson and manslaughter.