Wow! A day never to be forgotten by those in attendance at Uncle Perry's homestead today. The traditional Christmas meal was well under way with gracious hosting by Perry and Carol and with Maria helping, etc. The traditional generous helpings of turkey, potatos and all the trimmings were served. The kitchen, too, was packed with Perry II, Joan, Brandon's family, Preston, Casey Knobloch's family, etc. etc. The usual great time was being experienced by all. The dining room group was moments away from Aunt Alice's Heavenly Hash dessert when suddenly A FIRE BROKE OUT IN THE CLOSED BATHROOM behind the kitchen...(unofficially, a burning candle above the toilet ignited towels above it and then the wall also started burning.) The smoke alarm sounded but amidst the noise & fun, there was no mad rush to check things out. When the smell and appearance of smoke started to emit from below the bathroom door Casey, and a few others, rushed to open the bathroom door to literally see flames shooting from the toilet area. Those in the kitchen and dining room also reported seeing the flames and/or a distinct orange "glow" when the door was opened. Fortunately, Casey (Chief of Gridley Fire Dept.) was present and took charge..."FIRE! Evacuate and call 9-1-1 !!" Joan and Preston contacted the Fire Dept., while all of us, including children, quickly evacuated to the front yard. Casey, Uncle Jerry, and Brandon quickly fought the flames with water. Four(4)Gridley fire trucks (and the ambulance and Police Squad car) arrived within 6 minutes. Fortunately, despite cool temperatures, the day was sunny and mild as we(many without coats)waited outside for a progress report. Neighbors started gathering also. Firemen chopped holes in the surrounding bathroom drywall, checking the scorched studs, etc. and finally determined the fire to be "out". Stunned, yet thankful there was nobody injured and the damage repairable, we migrated to Aunt Ada and Uncle Jerry's home where an appropriate prayer of "thanksgiving" was offered by Uncle Jerry. We then all enjoyed the Heavenly Hash (which had been safely kept in Uncle Keith's car the whole time). Carol remained back at Perry's to clean up and to assure the fire did not re-ignite. Attached are a few photos depicting this memorable experience. It is indescribable as to "how bad it could have been" and we all went home thankful in so many ways. Chief of Gridley Fire Dept.(Casey) was quoted as saying: "In about 1 more minute, the fire would have been up the wall and perhaps out of control at that moment"
You might want to enlarge the photos for the full effect!
7 comments:
Great write-up, Cleve. It was a scary moment for sure looking through the kitchen and seeing that orange glow in the laundry room area. I talked to Carol this evening and they are able to sleep in the house, with the smoke smell not too overwhelming. She impressed me with her calmness through the whole event. She is a rock of strength.
I deleter the second comment as it posted twice. JK
deleted, that is
Thank you Casey, Jerry, Brandon and everyone else that helped!! Thank you Jerry and Ada for graciously opening your home and especially Jerry's prayer of thanksgiving. I'm sorry I ever lit that candle. The candle was up high, but it wasn't big enough and it burned down and out of the bottom and ignited the decorations and towels under it. There are lessons about safety to be learned, and I think we will purchase a fire extinguisher. We are very thankful to be able to stay in our home with only the bathroom damaged.
Slight correction: Since Maria was busy with children, Joan helped me serve the meal. I truly appreciated her efficient help!
Sounds like quite an exciting afternoon! Sure hope everything is going OK with getting things cleaned up and fixed. I know you all are very grateful to God that it wasn't any more serious. So glad you could have a good afternoon of fellowship (other than the excitement). Merry day after Christmas!
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