Fire Aftermath

Since the fire on Thursday, we have learned a bit more.  The fire started above Norma Bridge's apartment.  There was a lot of fire damage in her home.  The other apartments were not burned, but the burning ceiling fell in on them, causing irreparable damage.  Six apartments on the third floor were a total loss.  Very little was salvageable.  Everything smelled strongly of smoke and had suffered significant water damage.  The six apartments below these on the second and first floors also suffered extensive water damage, with the second floor obviously suffering more damage than the first floor.  But there was water everywhere.  

As we helped people empty apartments, everything was wet and there was no electricity or water.  I always suggested to people coming to help that they wear boots, gloves, and hats, that they bring a portable lantern or a head lamp, and be prepared to work hard because there are no elevators.  We've walked up and down stairs hauling boxes and belongings, all in the cold.  But ward members have come and worked, day after day.  Youth have come, older members, everyone, and it's been a blessing for everyone, both those who have been displaced and those who have helped them.  

The building is going to be gutted.  Everyone must leave, even those whose apartments were untouched by the fire.  Systems will be replaced, the roof will be redone, it will be a full restoration.  But that means that everyone must go somewhere else, either for a long-term temporary absence, or to move on to other spaces permanently.  We are losing seven apartments of people, either couples or single people, but retaining several who are relocating within the ward.  The others will be return when the building is finished.  It's a big change for everyone.

Below are some of the aftermath pictures.  I went with Stacey Smith to see about salvaging things from her apartment.  This is the third floor hallway.  It's open to the sky because the ceiling caved in, and all the sheet rock is off the walls because the firemen needed to make sure there were no hot spots left in the walls. 

This is Stacey's front room.  As you can see, the fire didn't get into her apartment, but the burning roof fell through and landed in her house.  And then is snowed.  The bedroom on the right of the living room looks just like this, but her bedroom on the left wasn't as badly damaged.  Still, she retrieved very little.

Service

There has been so much service rendered to those involved in the condo fire.  People in and out of the ward have offered to house and feed people, give clothing and goods, and help move belongings.  It's been such an amazing experience to see our ward family come together to support those who have been displaced. 

Today, with a wonderful group of women from the ward, I helped Claire Blackhurst move out of her apartment.  The Blackhursts were in Las Vegas for Thanksgiving and got word about the fire when the bishop called to make sure they were out of the building and okay.  It was literally a rude awakening.  They came back on Friday night and moved quite a few things on Saturday.  But today, Claire wanted to have everything out, as if they were never coming back.  She was on the second floor, so had no fire or smoke damage, but she had lots of water damage.  The ceiling was still dripping, the floor was soaked, counters were covered in standing water.  She was well prepared, however, with waterproof bags and plastic bins we could pack things in.  She had also secured a storage unit.  We were eight women who packed and stowed, and with the help of several burly fireman, we made quick work of the packing and moving all her belongings downstairs.  Then, some of us helped her unload and stack things in her storage unit. 

It was a good morning's work, and Claire was extraordinarily grateful. Today's Light the World suggestion was "Think of someone who is an example of Christlike service.  Highlight their example on social media."  While I didn't post anything on social media, I was also extraordinarily grateful for the good women who showed up today and who show up anytime there is a need.  They are a wonderful example to me.