posted
This afternoon around 4:00 I recieved a call fom my dad who lives about 10 miles away. He sounded a little upset. He asked me if I could give him a ride to our place... kinda unusual as he has a car of his own.
Then he started to explain... Turns out the appartment building where he lives was on fire. He had been taking a nap and the apartment one over and two floors below had started on fire. He heard the fire alarm and woke from his nap. He looked out the window and saw the reflection of flames in the windows of the apartment across the alley. It was time to leave!
By the time he got dressed the fire had spread to the second floor and by the time he got out of the building it was up into the third.
He called me a short time later and when I arrived (in a hurry!) the whole end of the building was pretty much gone. His apartment was next to a fireproofed stairwell which the fire had to burn through and around.... but when we left the scene a short while later the flames were shooting 30-40 feet out of the roof over his apartment.
His car is in the underground parking which was separated from the fire by a concrete ceiling. It was also sprinkled so his car should be fairly clean we figure.
Unfortunately he didn't have fire insurance so he only has the clothes on his back. But he's in good spirits and making light of the situation. One of his cracks was that he should get his damage deposit back without too much fuss. We'll go get his prescriptions refilled tomorrow, and some new glasses too. The rest we'll figure out over time. In the meantime he'll be staying with us.
We spoke with some of the firemen who were there a few minutes ago (one of the attending firehalls is across the street from us here in Yarrow) and they say there's not much hope for any of the contents of his place.
But they also gave us the good news that everyone got out of the building safely. None of the firefighters were hurt fighting the blaze either. Everything else we can easily replace.
My dad is even staying up late tonight (which he never, ever does) just to watch the news which will feature a story and footage of the spectacular fire.
All in all it was a pretty exciting day for all concerned!
Tomorrow is a brand new day.
-grampa dan
[ February 05, 2007, 01:58 AM: Message edited by: Dan Sawatzky ]
-------------------- Dan Sawatzky Imagination Corporation Yarrow, British Columbia dan@imaginationcorporation.com http://www.imaginationcorporation.com
Being a grampa is one of the the most wonderful things in the world!!! Posts: 8738 | From: Yarrow, B.C. Canada | Registered: Nov 1998
| IP: Logged |
posted
Sorry to hear about your dad's lost possessions, but it's not surprising to hear that he is in good spirits. I was really worried about your place when I saw this post. Of course it's unfortunate that your dad has to suffer through this setback, but I'm also glad you did not have a setback at your magical shop & home.
Enjoy his time staying there with you & good luck rebuilding whatever is required to set things right for your dad.
posted
Brilliant that he got out safely- enjoy his company!
-------------------- Catharine C. Kennedy CCK Graphics 1511 Route 28 Chatham Center, NY 12184 cck1620@taconic.net "Look at me, Look at me, Look at me now! I't's fun to have fun, But you have to know how!" Posts: 2173 | From: downtown Chatham Center, NY | Registered: Feb 2004
| IP: Logged |
posted
That's really good to hear that everyones safe.. but loosing everything in a fire is traumatic, and should'nt be taken lightly, as I'm sure you are not. Loosing all your possessions is a terrible thing to go through, but I'm sure your dad being around you and his great grand Daughter will certainly ease the pain.
-------------------- "Keep Positive"
SIGNS1st. Neil Butler Paradise, NF Posts: 6277 | From: St. John's NF Canada | Registered: Mar 1999
| IP: Logged |
posted
I too had terrible visions of a Magic Mountain meltdown, but your Dad's possesions are just as important to him as yours are to you. I am extremely saddened to hear of his loss, but equally happy to know that he awoke in time to get out safely.
-------------------- Don Hulsey Strokes by DON signs Utica, KY 270-275-9552 sbdsigns@aol.com
I've always been crazy... but it's kept me from going insane. Posts: 2275 | From: Utica, KY U.S.A. | Registered: Jan 1999
| IP: Logged |
posted
A good attitude will get you through allmost anything. How lucky for your father that you are nearby. Now make sure all your fire extingwishers are full and available. Don't let it happen to you.
-------------------- Bill Riedel Riedel Sign Co., Inc. 15 Warren Street Little Ferry, N.J. 07643 billsr@riedelsignco.com Posts: 2953 | From: Little Ferry, New Jersey, USA | Registered: Feb 1999
| IP: Logged |
My mind wanders. And that's not a good thing, 'cause it's too small to be out there alone. Posts: 3129 | From: Tooele, UT | Registered: Mar 2005
| IP: Logged |
posted
Good news out of bad news. Your Dad's spirit is very encouraging and it's apparent that the acron doesn't fall far from the tree. (Aren't you glad that I didn't use the term "nut"?)
It's sad that he lost all, but everything that is important is still safe. And it's equally important that he has a family to fall back on.
-------------------- Chapman Sign Studio Temple, Texas chapmanstudio@sbcglobal.net Posts: 6306 | From: Temple, Texas, USA | Registered: Nov 1998
| IP: Logged |
posted
Very sad when things like this happen, but the main thing is...he is ok. He is unreplaceable.
-------------------- aka:Cisco the "Traveling Millennium Sign Artist" http://www.franciscovargas.com Fresno, CA 93703 559 252-0935 "to live life, is to love life, a sign of no life, is a sign of no love"...Cisco 12'98 Posts: 3576 | From: Fresno, Ca, the great USA | Registered: Dec 1998
| IP: Logged |
posted
Again, glad your dad and everyone else is unhurt. Material possessions are.....well just material, but they still are a part of your identity. Keep your dad busy, it will help, and remember he is your father and he does know more than you .
-------------------- “Did you ever stop to think, and forget to start again?” -Winnie the Pooh & A.A. Milne
Kelly Thorson Kel-T-Grafix 801 Main St. Holdfast, SK S0G 2H0 ktg@sasktel.net Posts: 5496 | From: Penzance, Saskatchewan | Registered: May 2002
| IP: Logged |
posted
Dan, I'm so sorry to hear your dad lost everything, but happy that he and everyone else is ok. I had to call a friend last night to make sure he was ok too, because it looked like the building he lived in , but it wasn't.
It was a four alarm fire, and that's pretty nasty. When they get that size, a fire takes on a life of its own and we firefighters can't do much but a defensive attack by standing back and dumping tons of water on it.
I'm sure you'll take care of your pops and give him the comfort he needs at this time. My best wishes go his way.
-------------------- Tim Rieck Signs Halfmoon Bay, BC Posts: 736 | From: Halfmoon Bay, BC, Canada | Registered: Sep 2000
| IP: Logged |
posted
So glad that your Dad and residents were safely evacuated. My parents lost their home and it's contents thru robbery & arson so I can sympathized with your Dad. Some items like pictures and momentos can't be replaced but it is possible to start over and get back to living. Judy
-------------------- Judy Pate Signs By Judy Albany, Georgia USA 229-435-6824
Live simply...Love generously...Care deeply...Speak kindly...Leave the rest to God. Posts: 2621 | From: Albany,GA,USA | Registered: Nov 1998
| IP: Logged |
posted
Gosh, I feel really bad for your Dad's lost possesions. But the best part is that he's okay and he has a great son like you to help him out.
-------------------- Signs by Alicia Jennings (Mudflap Girl) Tacoma, WA Since 1987 Have Lipstick, will travel. Posts: 3814 | From: Tacoma, WA. U.S.A. | Registered: Dec 1999
| IP: Logged |
posted
Dan, You had me holding my breath about maybe your place; thank God your dad's okay; what a scare. My dad also had his trailer burn down in the keys in the 70's. It was after his boat blew up with him in the engine room too. After a year of intensive care, he started doing fine and rebuilt; He was so tough; and I'm so glad your dad is such a tough bird too. God bless him and glad you still have him to watch him smile! My dad used to be an electrical engineer for Chicago railroads and loved his lionel trains but they were burnt up in the fire. Yet, he saved a couple, and it just reminds me that it may be time for your dad to run those trains for you!
-------------------- Deb Fowler
"It's kind of fun to do the impossible - Walt Disney (1901-1966) Posts: 5373 | From: Loves Park, Illinois | Registered: Aug 1999
| IP: Logged |
posted
What Cisco & Kelly, said as well as all others. Most importantly...When the shock wears off from the event, your dad will need your attention. The good thing is that you will have someone beside you with knowledge. Good luck to all of you.
Jack
-------------------- Jack Wills Studio Design Works 1465 E.Hidalgo Circle Nye Beach / Newport, OR Posts: 2914 | From: Rocklin, CA. USA | Registered: Dec 1998
| IP: Logged |
![[Smile]](smile.gif)
![[Wink]](wink.gif)
Printer-friendly view of this topic