NATCHEZ — A Natchez man driving to his residence Wednesday after receiving a call saying his house was on fire accidentally hit a sheriff’s deputy car that had just arrived on the scene.

The fire at 58 Starnes Drive was reported at 3:10 p.m. and the accident was reported at 3:22 p.m.

Deputy Jack Smith, who was in the Adams County Sheriff’s Office car that was struck, was transported to Natchez Community Hospital in an ambulance after reporting lower back pain.

The homeowner and driver, Alan Dell Doyle, refused treatment.

Smith was reportedly trying to slow traffic and was parked around a curve, an Adams County Sheriff’s Office report said.

Doyle’s sister-in-law, Betty Doyle, said her brother-in-law, “Dell,” was speeding because he had just been told his house was on fire and was eager to get there.

After striking the police car, Dell’s car fell into a ditch on the opposite side of the road.

Betty said the front of Dell’s house was damaged after the furnace caused the house to catch fire.

Damaged rooms included a front bedroom, the bedroom of Dell’s 14-year-old son, a bathroom, the living room and the kitchen.

She said Dell did not have fire insurance or car insurance and is currently staying with her and her husband, who is Del’s older brother.

Betty said anyone who would like to donate materials or money to Dell should call 601-445-2307 or send money or a check to Alan Dell Doyle at P.O. Box 341 in Washington, MS.