It was a tale of tragedy and heroism in Reed Street, the City, as three houses felt the devastating effects of fire in the early hours of yesterday morning.
According to residents, the fire began in the home of Kelly Hall, which was razed. She lived with her boyfriend and three children, but was not available for comment.
The fire spread to the home of her elderly cousin, Gwynneth Hall, and Gwynneth's grandson Raul Dixon. A tearful Hall said she did not even know the house was on fire, she was awoken by her grandson who lifted her outside. This house was gutted.
The occupant of the third house is Victor Johnson. The front of his home was extensively damaged.
"I jumped on hearing the word 'fire'. When I got out I saw the hose being used on my house as the other had already burnt down [referring to Kelly Hall's home]," he said.
None of the houses was insured.
When the SATURDAY SUN arrived, several people were on the scene. One of them was Alistair Goddard, who told a tale of unselfishness and bravery.
"When I got to the scene [of the fire], I started to try and save things. I put a wet sheet over my head and broke through a window to see if any of the children were inside and to see what could be saved. That is how I got a piece of glass in my elbow," he said.
Goddard lives with his girlfriend upstairs in the nearby Thorpe's building. He said his girlfriend woke him up and he rushed over to help. He said from that height the fire could plainly be seen.
Hall's son, Trevor Hall, said the house had recently been renovated and he has no choice but to try and get it fixed again.
"I have to find somewhere else for them to live, somebody has to come by me, I can't leave them so. She is an old woman and has lived here for years, I have to get it rebuilt.
"I feel so down and out. I live nearby so when I heard the news I tried to get things out but the smoke had me. I get cut on my hand somewhere in there and had to get stitches," he said.
Shortly after, welfare officer Fabian Jones arrived to assess the damage. He said Kelly Hall and her family were staying at the Twelve Tribes building in Mason Street. He said they would assist in getting food, clothes and books for the family and would try to contact the Urban Development Commission about new housing.
Two fire tenders and seven officers under the command of Station Officer Winfield Marshall responded to the call at 1:56 a.m.
An investigation into the cause of the fire is continuing. (CA) |