Madisonville policeman's home destroyed by fire

By Matthew Penix and Chad Ruiz
Published on Wednesday, February 27, 2008 9:13 AM CST

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St.Tammany News

A fire ripped through a Madisonville police officer's home Sunday afternoon, collapsing the roof and torching its contents just days before a two-year renovation project following Hurricane Katrina was complete.

Roughly 22 firefighters from St. Tammany Fire Protection District 4 swarmed the two-story house at 22197 Strain Road south of Abita Springs, pumping water from a nearby pond to douse the raging flames that sent smoke plumes visible at least a mile away.

"These guys did the best they could, but the fire was so heavy it was unsafe to make an interior attack," District 4 Fire Chief Rick Tassin.

With just one more water hookup to complete, owner Steve Stark, a three-year veteran of the Madisonville Police Department, took a break from renovation work Sunday to get a bite to eat and buy supplies at a home improvement store.

When he returned with his stepfather, Louis Molinary, the flames engulfed the structure.

"We looked up and saw smoke pouring out of everything," Molinary said. "We just couldn't believe it."

Stark sat quiet, calmly whipping out his cell phone to call 911, Molinary said.

"The flames were darting off ... and it went up fast after that," Stark said, watching as firefighters doused the home with water.

"My stomach is just in knots," he said.

As of Monday afternoon, firefighters didn't know what sparked the 4 p.m. fire Sunday, but Stark and Molinary said they recently finished installing electrical wiring that may have sparked the flames.

"I just can't understand what happened," he said.

Stark, who lived in the 1,700-square-foot home for 15 years but vacated it after three trees sliced through the roof during Hurricane Katrina, had dreamed of repairing the house set back on the rural road and moving back inside.

"At least nobody was hurt. We lost sweat equity. It's upsetting," Stark said. "The house was gorgeous."

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Comments

7 comment(s)

Jordan lala wrote on Dec 25, 2011 12:47 PM:

" James Lala is my dad and it was really hard for me and my family when he went to jail!the hole time I wanted him home with me but no he was In jail I got to see him every other weekend! I am glad he is finally out and can see me and my sisters that is way more importan! "

Barbara wrote on Nov 21, 2010 11:18 PM:

" I read your story and I too have a sister with ALS. She has difficulty walking and speaking. Just in case u didn't know there is a clinic in louisiana as a matter of fact it is near you. Have u contacted the louisiana chapter. "

daniel c salmen wrote on Feb 4, 2010 8:38 PM:

" while stationed in Gulfport, Miss. I first heard of this high school. I am trying to find out if I am related to the person it was named after. I have lived most of my life in Pittsburgh, Pa. If you could give me some history of the person it was named after would be greatly appreciated. Thank you "

Funny wrote on Mar 31, 2009 6:06 AM:

" carlos is not married to casandra LOL he still his married to someone else! "

mike king wrote on Jul 2, 2008 4:16 PM:

" I was interviewed on set, most information is wrong. The journalist should be in trouble for false information stated.
My role as a FT. Extra was not outside waiting for a girl to get ice cream! I was inside with the actors in the diner! Jess was outside doing regular background. And actors dont have to sit around for 15hours, The crew does everyday, especially P.A's. Extras work 8-12hours. Most of the background/extra work that I do is less than $100/day. LA rates are $65/8hrs, $79/10hrs, $112/12hrs background pay. "

ec wrote on May 7, 2008 5:47 PM:

" Myson was stopped because of loud music. He was not drunk but his companion was. A St. Tammany Parish officer shopped him but was ticketed by Troop L. My husband saw him at Troop L before he was transported to St. Tammany. He said he WAS NOT drunk & didn't have bloodshot eyes, slur his words or was unsteady on his feet. Troop L Officer said his speech was slurred, had bloodshot eyes and was unsteady on his feet. Troop L officer lied; the judge accepted it as truth. Where is the justice? "

Erika wrote on Apr 23, 2008 4:10 PM:

" I live in Brownswitch Rd and I tried really hard to ride my bike here and it was so dangerous.I do not know where to go .I love riding my bicycle , I wish we could have a safe place in the town.
"

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