BROOKINGS If not for an alert teenager, the March 13 blaze on Medary Avenue South that destroyed two homes and a garage might have taken something far more precious: a family with children, including a toddler.
Josh Waller, who lived at 217 Medary Ave. S. with his fiance Andrea Sanudo and four children, said the family had little warning of the unfolding disaster, a situation made even more precarious because the family was sound asleep except for their son, 15-year-old Jeremiah.
Jeremiah said he heard some popping in the garage and he looked out and it was just engulfed in a matter of seconds, Waller recalled. Thats when he ran downstairs to tell us the garage was on fire.
The expression on Jeremiahs face was all it took for his mother to know he wasnt fooling around.
I wouldnt have believed him if it wasn’t for the look of fear and panic on his face, Sanudo said. You hear about these tragedies happening to other people, but you never think it will happen to you.
There was literally just moments between being jolted awake by the terrifying news and rushing to safety outside their burning home.
I tried to get everybody out as fast as I could before the house went up if it wasnt for (Jeremiah), we probably wouldnt be here, Waller said, adding that he got out only with the shorts he was wearing. It went that fast into the house. I cant praise him enough for it.
The lives saved included Jeremiahs sisters: 13-year-old Jaslynn, 8-year-old Julianna and 2-year-old Elianna. Another sister, 20-year-old Tahra, had moved out just days prior to the fire.
An unattended heat lamp was the source of the fire, according to information from the Brookings Police Department. Waller, who is a volunteer firefighter with the Aurora Fire Department, said the lamp was being used to keep chicks warm. The garage was fully engulfed and the blaze was spreading to the residence when Jeremiahs 911 call came in around 11 p.m. Shortly thereafter, it spread north to the residence at 215 Medary Ave. S.
The loss of the home they were renting is something that wont soon be forgotten, Waller said.
Its still pretty heavy on the heart, he said. I cant go by the house without just breaking down. Its just really hard on all of us.
Theyve found temporary housing since the March 13 fire thanks to the efforts of the Ashlee and Saul Reyes family, who they know through the church they attend together, GracePoint.
I’m eternally grateful to them and everyone who has dropped off donations, food, gifts, money, or used prayer, support, or who have just reached out to check in. We appreciate every single one of them so, so much, Sanudo said.
The wider outpouring of support from the Brookings community is also welcome, even more so because the family wasnt able to salvage anything from the ruins, and didnt have renters insurance.
We appreciate all their help with donations and everything. We are just grateful that we have a great community, Waller said.
Sanudos shared similar thoughts.
We are extremely grateful and blessed to be a part of this community. I do not have enough words that can express my gratitude, she said. Everyone quickly stepped up and have aided in any way they can.
It has truly been amazing, and overwhelming to say the least, Sanudo added. We would be way worse off if it wasn’t for the amazing people around us, showing us love and support and grace.
The help includes Red Cross assistance with things such as cash for fire-related expenses, along with medication prescriptions and eye glasses. On top of that, the Aurora Fire Department will have a 50/50 raffle during its annual pancake feed on April 27from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
As for what comes next, Waller said the family is considering its options.
Were hoping were going to talk to housing about the next step that we can do, then go from there, he said.
We don’t know why this happened, but we know we will be OK, Sanudo added. The Lord has us in his hands.
Contact Mondell Keck at [email protected].
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