Wednesday, January 9, 2002
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Wednesday, January 9, 2002 |
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Fund started for Fayette family that lost home to fire last week By JOHN
MUNFORD
A fund has been established to assist a local family that lost its home to a massive fire last week. Jack and Ruth Campbell, along with their four daughters and a visitor, were able to escape the blaze at their home in the Harbor Lake subdivision early Thursday morning. The fire started in the attic above the master bedroom and was attributed to the home's wood-burning stove and chimney, said Fayette County Fire Marshall David Scarbrough. Ruth Campbell told fire officials that she awoke to the snap, crackle and pop sounds of the fire. "I told her she was sleeping with an angel, and it wasn't her husband," Scarbrough said. When the fire was reported to Fayette County 911, the operator asked for the house to be evacuated, and three fire engines were sent to the scene, according to Chief Allen McCullough of the Fayette County Department of Fire and Emergency Services. The house collapsed about 20 minutes after firefighters arrived, McCullough said. The moment they got there, the structure was fully involved with the flames, making an internal attack on the fire impossible, he said. "We are very fortunate that they got out," McCullough said. " I'm sure it is devastating to the family, but we were fortunate there were no major injuries or fatalities." One of the residents was treated and released from the hospital for minor burns and a firefighter was treated and released for a laceration, McCullough said. Since the incident, the Campbells have been assisted by The American Red Cross, neighbors and fellow church members at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, according to Melinda Jennings, an organizer of the benefit fund. Financial contributions may be sent to The Campbell Fire Relief Fund at Southern Community Bank at 525 North Jeff Davis Drive, Fayetteville 30215. Jennings said that the family lost all its belongings except for two vehicles, which were rescued from the garage. While sifting through the debris, the family did recover negatives that could possibly be restored to reprint family photos lost in the blaze, she added. Despite the snow and icy conditions Thursday night, firefighters and other emergency personnel were able to get to the scene quickly, McCullough said.
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