PINE BLUFF, Ark. – An off-duty officer with the Pine Bluff Police Department acted heroically on Wednesday, March 19, 2025, to avert a potential disaster as a fire threatened a neighborhood. With the Pine Bluff Fire Department already stretched thin, battling over ten other fires, Officer Lakeisha Jones noticed an additional blaze while driving home after completing her full work shift.
According to Officer Jones, she spotted the fire near homes while on the highway, saying, “I was on my way home when I saw a fire.” What she discovered upon closer inspection was alarming; smoke was thick enough to obscure visibility and the danger posed to nearby residences was evident. “I could hardly get back in the backyard because it was so much smoke,” she recalled.
Upon arrival at the scene, Officer Jones sprang into action, refusing to let the situation spiral out of control. Without hesitation, she began alerting residents, urging them to evacuate immediately to avoid any danger. “I immediately jumped out of my vehicle and started knocking on doors,” she recounted, emphasizing her urgency in taking action for the sake of their safety. Many residents were completely unaware of the threatening blaze just steps from their homes. “I thought people’s stuff was going to burn down,” Jones expressed, reflecting on the gravity of the situation she discovered.
As people left their homes, Jones quickly instructed neighbors to grab water hoses so they could contain the fire to the best of their abilities. Despite her efforts, the gravity of the situation escalated significantly as it took about 30 minutes for the fire crews to arrive. “To know that the fire department wasn’t going to assist right then, I’m like, ‘Well what do I do?’” she shared, describing the overwhelming nature of the unfolding event. Even as this was happening, three other officers responded to the scene to assist her.
Despite the tense moments and the struggle to keep the fire contained, thankfully, no homes suffered damage. Only six people were at home at that time, and thanks to the swift actions of Officer Jones and those she rallied, the lives of the residents were saved. “It’s my job to help,” she firmly stated, highlighting her commitment to her community and the lives within it. Heroic tales like those of Officer Jones serve as reminders of the dedication and resilience found within law enforcement, especially in dire circumstances.
The incident on Steve Drive underscores the importance of vigilance and quick action in ensuring public safety. Officers like Lakeisha Jones, who prioritize their roles even when off duty, often prove to be catalysts for change in critical situations.
In summary, this heroic act demonstrates how individual actions can have a profound impact on community safety. As fire seasons become increasingly intense, the responsibility to look out for one another grows ever more critical.
