Palacios officer saves 3 from residence blaze

   The Palacios Volunteer Fire Department, Palacios Police Department, Palacios Fire Marshal, and Midfield Volunteer Fire Department were sent to a house fire at 808 Rorem Ave, Palacios at about 3:26 a.m. Monday, July 1. 
  The first arriving police officer, Officer Heath Barnett, identified a shed at the rear of the residence was fully involved with fire that extended to the rear of the house.  
  Because the rear of the house was on fire, Barnett forced entry into the front of the residence, awakening three adult occupants.  
  Because of the heroic efforts of the officer, the three occupants escaped with no injury. 
  EMS evaluated the occupants, but did not transport them to the hospital. 
  The fire departments fought the blaze for about 2 ½ hours before it was out. 
  Crews remained on scene an additional hour to ensure the fire was completely out. 
  The residence was a total loss, valued at about $60,000 in damage to the structure and contents. 
  The occupants are staying with friends. 
  There was no insurance for the residence. 
  The fire marshal performed a preliminary investigation, but the cause still has not been determined. 
  The fire is still under investigation.