We’ve always known that if ever there’s a fire, we can pretty much walk away and not look back because there’s little chance of a fire truck getting here on time or having enough water to put out a fire. It’s one thing to know it in your head but it’s another thing to watch it happen.
My closest neighbor was here today and we were visiting. I was facing the window and looked up and said “I see lots of black smoke that doesn’t look right.” We figured it was the National Guard doing something but then, as there was more smoke billowing, we decided maybe we’d better do some investigating because it was looking way too close for comfort. We walked outside and heard sirens and knew that wasn’t a good sign. Then my friend’s husband called and said someone had called him to tell him it was the next closest (to me . . closest to them) neighbor’s house on fire. Houses aren’t very close here but we’re all neighbors, and almost every neighbor around was there to offer comfort and moral support.
The folks raise show rabbits and have them in a building attached to the house so I jumped in my car and ran down there to see if I could help get the rabbits out. As soon as I got within viewing distance, I knew there was no saving anything. Thankfully, they had gotten all the rabbits out, along with their two dogs.
They were going to bring the 26 rabbits in 26 cages to our barn but then the guy who runs cattle on their land said he had a new climate controlled barn so I figured that was a much better option for them. I could see Vince coming home from work finding 26 rabbits in his shop!
The lady grabbed her purse but the man didn’t even get his wallet. They literally have only the clothes they were wearing.
Fire
Out of respect for the neighbors, I’m not going to show the house in flames but, it was tough to watch . . knowing that the price we pay living this far out is virtually no chance of saving a home from a fire.
A big shout out to Farm Bureau – their agent was there right away, sat with them, comforted them and that was nice to see. After Vince got home from work, we went back so he could offer his help in any way needed. The Red Cross was there visiting with the homeowners. Fire departments from all over the county arrived and helped for hours and hours. Law enforcement from all agencies were there to assist. I saw state troopers, Constable, sheriff’s deputies. It was nice to see so many first responders there trying to help but in the end, our friends lost everything.
Please pray for my sweet friends, Bob and Ann. They have some rough days and nights ahead and some tough decisions to make.
Dottie N. says
So very sad……if there’s a silver lining, it’s all the friends/neighbors and first responders in your area.
Teresa says
Please give my condolences to your neighbors. I live rural also, but town with a volunteer fire department, is not that far from us. Nevertheless, it is always on my mind. Good they got their animals out and themselves, too, of course. -Tee
Jennifer says
Having been a volunteer firefighter, it breaks my heart when someone loses everything by fire. I know eventually they will be o.k., it’s the interim that’s tough and its friends, neighbors and other caring individuals that will be the soothing balm.
Theresa says
Thank God they got out and all of their animals got out. But how heartbreaking to lose their home!
Terri says
So glad they made it out safely and got all their fur babies out. Thoughts and prayers for them.
Susan says
So many stressful things ahead for them. I’m so sorry to hear about this, and can’t imagine what they will have to go through. I’m glad the Red Cross and the insurance guy were so quickly there. It will help to have a change of clothes and money for a place to stay … at least I presume that will happen, as that’s what happened for a friend of mine. How terrible to lose everything, but they still have each other, and that’s something for which to be grateful. I will pray for them to be guided in the decisions they need to make in the next few months.
Diane in CA says
My heart goes out to them..I know they say stuff can be replaced, but not when it was your grandma’s or your kids’ or your favorite stuff! It sure makes me think about scanning all my paperwork and vintage photos and storing it in the cloud.
Tina in NJ says
A member of my quilt guild lost everything, including her dog, in a fire a couple of years ago. She and her husband made it out in their night clothes! The guild gave her a sewing shower (notions, fabric, a sewing basket) and made her a quilt. But she was in shock for months. They moved to Maryland when their first grandchild was born, but she still comes back for the show each year. Let your friends know that we’re all thinking of them.
Janna says
Sad, sad. Many years ago we lost a barn with an apartment upstairs–Michael’s father was living in the apartment after the recent death of his wife and woke to flames/smoke everywhere barely escaping with his life. Even though it was only a barn we had stuff stored there including all my Christmas ornaments collected over the years plus ornaments which had belonged to my MIL. I can still remember the incredible sense of loss. As we live 22 miles from anything including the volunteer fire department, there was no saving anything. My heart goes out to your friends.
Toni Wood says
In our county in a rural part of mid- TN the job of the fire dept. is to keep the fire from spreading. They know they can’t get there in time to save the structure. Sad but one of the disadvantages of living away from town.
Angie in SoCal says
Prayers being said for Bob and Ann.
Ranch Wife says
That’s just heartbreaking1 Praising God that they are safe. I cannot imagine and will keep them in prayer. It sounds like they have wonderful community support which will be a blessing in the days and weeks to come.
Alycia says
Oh – that breaks my heart – i am so sorry for them!
Joan says
Having once lost everything, I know just how heartbreaking this can be. Insurance is great; it gets you back on your feet when that seems impossible to do, but it can never replace your treasured photos and family heirlooms. Not a day goes by that I don’t think of something that I miss terribly – a child’s handprint on a Christmas ornament, my grandmother’s thimble, my mom’s baby cup and fork. Thank heavens they have each other and a community of friends that will support and love them in the coming months and years!
Donna says
Thinking of them, what a stressful time. It’s easy to sit here and look around, say well, it’s only stuff but I’ve thankfully never been in those shoes and I feel certain I’d feel differently. Prayers go out for them. If there is a fund or a quilt or something tangible I can contribute to, please let me know. Sometimes it’s a small thoughtful gesture that can give just that bit of comfort.
Peg H says
Oh no! Words can’t express what I’m feeling right now. I will keep them lifted in prayer.
Jo Anne says
So sorry for your friends’ loss. This also has a great impact on you. We watched a neighbor’s house burn to the ground when we lived in rural SW Missouri. So devastating. My love to you and your friends.