Firefighters from the Valdosta Fire Department were trying to salvage as much of the historic furniture in the Roberts House as possible as soon as the fire was under control. Firefighters are still on the scene of the fire, two hours after it was first reported, to ensure that no more hot spots develop.

Fire Chief J.D. Rice said an investigation will begin into the cause as soon as investigators can safely enter the historic structure. Architect Glenn Gregory, one of the leaders of the restoration project on the city’s oldest house, stated that the house had both a fire alarm and an intrusion alarm, so it is not believed that anyone started the fire. It apparently originated in the back area of the house, but flames spread very quickly in the high wind. Gregory said the structure is all heart pine wood, or fatlighter, which is highly flammable. The Valdosta Heritage Foundation has spent years restoring the home.

Pick up a copy of Thursday’s edition of The Valdosta Daily Times to read more and view more photos.