Homeowner saves neighbor's pets from burning home as fire spread in Howard Lake
Two homes were lost but firefighters saved the St. James Lutheran Church after an ember ignited the steeple. Two homes were lost and the St. James Lutheran Church in Howard Lake was damaged when an ember ignited the steeple. Homeowner David Block was able to save his family from the flames, as well as his four dogs and his lizard. Firefighters were able to contain the flames to the top of the church, saving the church. Block expressed his gratitude for the overwhelming support of the community.
Published : 11 months ago by Lou Raguse in
Two homes were lost but firefighters saved the St. James Lutheran Church after an ember ignited the steeple.
As the flames spread to his house in Howard Lake, Block made sure his family was safe — he, his girlfriend, and the six kids between them — as well as his four dogs and his lizard.
"I did hear her little Chihuahua bark, then it kind of kicked in — she's not even home. I looked in the driveway and sure enough she wasn't home," Block said.
Flames and smoke coming through the back — he got her three dogs out of the kennels in the front.
"I really think I was on autopilot more than anything. Just do what needs to be done. Don't even think about it. Just go do it," Block said.
And then, an ember from the two burning homes floated over the house next door and landed on the St. James Lutheran Church steeple.
His parsonage had been mostly spared but he feared the church was about to burn down. Firefighters were able to prevent that and contain the flames to the top of the steeple -- saving the church.
"It's nice to see the community come together when you really need it the most. I couldn't be more grateful for everybody. The church, the community, even the shoes I'm wearing are from some random person that helped me out with shoes. I didn't have any shoes on. It's amazing to see the overwhelming support everyone gives us," Block said.