6 year-old killed in early morning fire

By Staff
Jonathan Willis
West Elementary School Principal Ramona Robinson will always remember the day last year when a "cute little blonde headed doll" corrected her on a story she was telling about insects.
That "doll" was Mason Scott, a kindergartener at the time who had a unique knowledge of insects and amphibians.
"He was very unique and smart as a whip," Robinson said.
Scott, a 6 year-old first grader at the school, was killed early Saturday morning in a house fire that ripped through the section of the family's home that contained his bedroom.
Scott was in his bed asleep when the fire started about 2:30 a.m.
His body was found inside the charred room about 30 minutes later, officials said.
Investigators believe he died from smoke inhalation, but state forensic experts will perform an autopsy this week to determine the exact cause of death.
Russellville Fire Marshal Bobby Malone said the department received a call at 2:29 a.m. notifying them that there was a fire at 180 Signore Drive, which is located between Jackson Avenue and Wilson Boulevard.
"The fire was contained in less than 30 minutes," Malone said. "His body was found a short time later."
Investigators said the Russellville Police Department was the first to arrive on the scene but officers were unable to enter the home because of the fire's intense heat.
Scott's mother, Christy Scott, and 4 year-old brother, Noah, went to a neighbor's home for help. They were unharmed.
His father, Jeremy Scott, was out of town on a business trip, officials said. Friends traveled to Atlanta early Saturday to tell him about the situation.
Investigators said the fire mainly spread across the boy's bedroom and up into the attic.
They are unsure of the fire's cause, but said it appears the fire started in the boy's room or in the attic above the room.
Investigators with the state fire marshal's office worked late into the day Saturday but found no known cause. Their investigation will continue.
Terri Sibley was Scott's kindergarten teacher last year but said she already missed not having him in class this school year.
"He was extremely intelligent and very special," she said. "I loved having him in class and I already missed him."
West Elementary School Assistant Principal Chris James said Scott had a bright future ahead of him and his death will leave a lasting impact on the school.
"He was extremely smart and had a lot of potential," James said.
"This is a sad time for all of us."
Throughout Saturday's Watermelon Festival people paused to share their heartbreak over Scott's death. Many of them recalled how they knew him or had just seen him in recent days.
"He was on my son's tee ball team," said Russellville resident Nathan Grissom.
"I just saw him a few weeks ago. It's hard to believe this happened."
Counselors from outside the school system will be at West Elementary Monday to talk to the students about Scott's death.
James said school counselors would also be available if needed.