By SUE ELLEN ROSS Staff Reporter

LAPLACE – S.J. and Amber Matherne have lived in their home on Concord Drive for 38 years, one of the first built in their subdivision. Tuesday morning, that home was completely destroyed by an early morning fire.

The blaze apparently began at 3:30 a.m. in a refrigerator in a motor home parked by the house. “It then traveled to our garage and house, and also touched a neighbor’s wall,” said S.J. Matherne.

Amber Matherne was already awake Tuesday, reading a book, when she noticed the glow of the fire. She woke up her husband, son John, and his wife Racheal.

“We are just devastated,” said Racheal. “Everything is gone.”

All occupants escaped unharmed.

Once awake, S. J. found the garden hose, and John used the fire extinguisher while they waited for the fire department to arrive.

“It took about 2 1/2 hours to get it under control,” said John. “It was completely out in about three hours.”

Two dogs that were in the garage also escaped unharmed.

According to John Matherne, the refrigerator in the motor home is the type that will switch to gas if the electricity goes out. It is not known if this somehow contributed to the blaze.

No further details on the fire were available from the LaPlace Fire Department as of press time.

All smoke detectors inside the home were working, according to the family.

The Matherne’s neighbor Jessie Ramsey aided the family as their home was destroyed. He commented on the significance of fire-detecting devices in the home. “This is a perfect example of the importance of working smoke detectors,” he said. “Everyone should check theirs on a regular basis.”

The Mathernes will stay with relatives, but will not leave Concord Drive permanently.

“This is great that everyone came out to help us, the neighbors are wonderful,” said S. J. “We will rebuild right here in our neighborhood.”