Miss. Grandfather Saves Granddaughter From Blaze

HARRISON COUNTY -- An account has been set up at Hancock Bank to help a family whose home was destroyed Tuesday by fire.

Larry Sumrall, 69, remains in Joseph M. Still Burn Center at Crossgate River Oaks Hospital in Brandon for the burns and smoke inhalation he suffered when he dashed back into the burning home on Shaw Road to rescue his 7-year-old granddaughter, Kierston Sumrall.

Kierston was treated for smoke inhalation at Garden Park Medical Center in Gulfport and released, her father, Shannon Sumrall, said.

Sumrall said doctors did not find any burns in his father's lungs, though they were filled with soot from the fire. He is also being treated for second-degree burns to his head and neck.

The elder Sumrall will be kept sedated for a few days as a precautionary measure, Shannon Sumrall said, adding he's expected to be released within the next two weeks.

Meanwhile, Shannon Sumrall's ex-wife, Amy Holly of Gulfport, has established a benefit account at Hancock Bank to help the family.

Her 14-year-old son, Mason Sumrall, lived at the home, but was with her when the fire broke out, she said.

Contributions to the Sumrall Relief Fund can be made at any Hancock Bank branch.

Larry Sumrall lived at the home with his son Shannon Sumrall; Shannon's girlfriend, Susan Taylor-Collins; and his grandchildren Mason, Kierston and 4-year-old Ty.

Investigators believe the 4-year-old was playing with a lighter or matches and started a fire shortly before 11 a.m. in one of the bedrooms.

Shannon Sumrall said he thinks it may have been a grill lighter.

Larry Sumrall discovered the fire and rushed Ty into the backyard where he met Taylor-Collins. When the adults realized Kierston was still inside the home, Sumrall ran back in to find her.

The two escaped the burning house as firefighters arrived, Harrison County Fire Marshal Pat Sullivan said.

Copyright 2012 - The Sun Herald, Biloxi, Miss.

McClatchy-Tribune News Service