Fire in Mill Town

We came upon a house fire on our way back to the office, post lunch today. A garage or as it looks converted room off the back of this old dilapidated house was ablaze and we were driving by only as the fire department we being called. Five young children, in poorly fitting, dirty clothes and pajamas were in the street (amid a school day BTW) worried about their cats. When asked if anyone was left in the home they said there uncle was still inside. In a panic we yelled and beat on the door to determine if he was going to escape. In a slow labored pace, the heavy and calm man eventually evacuated while complaining of asthma and fatigue. While I tried to tell the children that the animals would find some way to safety on their own, we quickly realized as the vinyl siding began melting off the neighbors home, that the nearby vehicles need relocated or they would become victim to the flames. Just then, the man who had just barely climbed up from his seat to escape was returning into the burning house to retrieve his car keys. One of our brave employees (Jim you know who you are) risked life and heath to climb into the man's bio hazard on wheels, moving it to safety. We also had to alert a neighbor whose vinyl siding was melting off, because her car was too in jeopardy. She 1st moved her car and then returned to the house and evacuated her child to a safer location. Only then did the fire department arrive and began attacking the blaze. Once all life an property were best out of harms way, I ran back to my office to get my camera and shoot. You can see more here. The real story is the kids. I wish I had taken the time to learn the fate of the kids and family. These kids were living in filth, and should have been in school. Life hits you this way at times. My job is providing affordable housing, and right before my eyes, footsteps from my desk, are homeless children with uncertainty as to where they might sleep tonight.