Blaze burns down home in Bagdad

BAGDAD, Fla. (WALA) - Officials said a fire over the weekend destroyed a home on Ella Street in Bagdad.

Janice Mclean said her elderly neighbor May Lovelace lived next door for more than 15 years and always took pride in taking care of her house.

“She was a very gracious woman. She would take my granddaughter into the back yard and have tea parties and stuff. She was that type of person,” said Mclean.

But Mclean said Lovelace lost her sight and became ill, which forced her into a nursing home.

On Sunday, Dec. 30, Lovelace's home her real home went up in flames.

Officials said the fire began around 6 p. m. when a portable stove that was being used for heat, burst and spread flames.

Firefighters from Bagdad, Avalon, East Milton and Milton responded and fought the blaze for hours.

Officials said an acquaintance of the homeowner was living in the home at the time but escaped unharmed.

Mclean said the whole situation has been hard to watch.

“I can't help but think it's such a wasted house, it’s just horrible," Mclean said, “I’m sure it would be devastating to her, I’m sure it would be. Nobody wanted this to happen to this house."

The State Fire Marshal’s Office is still investigating the fire.