HOLLAND, AR – The Faulkner County Sheriff’s Office says a large fire in Holland destroyed 2 homes and forced the evacuation of 20 others.
The fire started around 3pm and was contained around 6:15pm Wednesday. One of the homes destroyed was abandoned, according to the sheriff’s office.
Nine volunteer fire departments were on scene fighting the fire, as well as crews from the Arkansas Forestry Commission.
Two structures burned to the ground in the fire. One was occupied, the other vacant. Neighbors say all inside the occupied home made it out safely.
"Fire is everywhere. Smoke is everywhere," said homeowner Edward Alford after evacuating his Faulkner County home during the fire.
"It was roaring really high up in the air," said his wife, Melanie.
Melanie and Edward Alford made the 911 call that brought multiple crews out to the Holland fire.
Alford's next door neighbor's house is one of two structures that is burned to the ground.
"All she had time to grab was her phone her keys her pet," said Melanie.
Firefighters say the 50 acre fire took hours to contain because of the rolling hills, rocky terrain and the wind
One firefighter is recovering from minor injuries.
"It could have been worse I just thank God it wasn't," said Alford.
The investigation into what caused the fire is ongoing.
