JELLICO – The North Magoffin Fire Department responded to a structure fire on Jellico Road, with one of their own losing their home.
On Monday, March 16, 2026, a North Magoffin Fire Department member, Scott Phipps, was at home and in the bed when the fire started, waking up to smoke. He quickly ran out of the home and attempted to get cell service, but was unsuccessful, so he ran a considerable distance to a family member’s residence, who is also a NMFD member, and they called the fire station, which quickly responded with two engines and 12 firefighters.
By the time they arrived, the house was already half gone, with the rest fully engulfed. Phipps has a narrow and steep driveway and there was snow on the ground, so fire crews were unable to get tanker down closer to the structure, but they fought the fire with a pumper truck, working to contain it at that point.
The cause of the fire is unknown at press time, but NMFD officials told Mortimer Media Group the fire started in the room with a wood fire insert.
Phipps lived alone and was able to escape the fire without sustaining any injuries, but the house was a total loss and he wasn’t even able to grab the keys to his vehicle before running out of the home.
NMFD posted on social media on Tuesday, “We are deeply saddened that our brother has lost all his belongings, but we are extremely relieved that he is safe and unharmed. We anticipate making an announcement shortly regarding opportunities to donate and provide assistance.”
