Emrich - Signal 99 Total Loss Fire, Van Buren
Donation protected
First, I’d like to say I’m so thankful for the love shown so far by so many. I was asleep while unaware our attic was completely engulfed in flames.
I woke at 3:30A on Tuesday morning to my bedroom filling with smoke. It was an electrical fire in the attic. I suffered smoke inhalation and a knee injury jumping down stairs. I was going to try my best to save not my possessions, but my pets.
I did manage to get my beloved cat, Patches, to safety. Sadly my aquarium with Izzy and Clyde, two friendly and loved goldfish, and 3 minnows perished. Our other young family cat never was recovered.
The worst memory of that night is looking back at the fish tank and seeing my little friends frantically swim around. Knowing that I couldn’t lift a 37G tank, or have time to scoop them out. The gut wrenching feeling that’s the last time you’re going to see them.
I nearly collapsed before I was taken by abulance. The whole time I was hoping my dad’s cat, Sid, was going to make it out. The eery sounds of the fireman frantically trying to fight the blaze and the smoke alarms going off were coming over the ambulance radio.
I tried my best to help stop the blaze before the fire company arrived. Emptying 5 fire extinguishers into the holes forming in the ceiling. Some say that was stupid. I should have just run. But I never could have lived with myself hadn’t I tried to buy time for my little friends.
When I was released from the hospital I had on pajamas and slippers, during a blizzard. When I returned to the shell of my once home, I realized there wasn’t a coat waiting, there weren’t boots, and sadly, a charred, broken fish tank lay on the floor of my bedroom. No Sid the cat was there to greet me.
I will add more and edit as time goes on but I am trying my best to keep up. I’m afraid to sleep. I leave the light on. After I sob for a half hour, because I just want to feed my fishies and say good night to them, I fall asleep for a couple of hours.
I know a lot of friends, family, and perfect strangers would like to help me rebuild what once was my life. My identity is nearly gone. But my dignity that I gained back so quickly with clothes donations, toiletries, etc helps ease the pain, and I appreciate all that has been done already.
Thank you to all of the first responders for trying your best and keeping me safe, to hospital staff for my treatment, to friends, family, and unanimous persons who provided quick support to get the some essentials my cat and I needed.
I never like to ask for help. But I know people would like to offer. You will never be forgotten and I love you all.
God bless.
I woke at 3:30A on Tuesday morning to my bedroom filling with smoke. It was an electrical fire in the attic. I suffered smoke inhalation and a knee injury jumping down stairs. I was going to try my best to save not my possessions, but my pets.
I did manage to get my beloved cat, Patches, to safety. Sadly my aquarium with Izzy and Clyde, two friendly and loved goldfish, and 3 minnows perished. Our other young family cat never was recovered.
The worst memory of that night is looking back at the fish tank and seeing my little friends frantically swim around. Knowing that I couldn’t lift a 37G tank, or have time to scoop them out. The gut wrenching feeling that’s the last time you’re going to see them.
I nearly collapsed before I was taken by abulance. The whole time I was hoping my dad’s cat, Sid, was going to make it out. The eery sounds of the fireman frantically trying to fight the blaze and the smoke alarms going off were coming over the ambulance radio.
I tried my best to help stop the blaze before the fire company arrived. Emptying 5 fire extinguishers into the holes forming in the ceiling. Some say that was stupid. I should have just run. But I never could have lived with myself hadn’t I tried to buy time for my little friends.
When I was released from the hospital I had on pajamas and slippers, during a blizzard. When I returned to the shell of my once home, I realized there wasn’t a coat waiting, there weren’t boots, and sadly, a charred, broken fish tank lay on the floor of my bedroom. No Sid the cat was there to greet me.
I will add more and edit as time goes on but I am trying my best to keep up. I’m afraid to sleep. I leave the light on. After I sob for a half hour, because I just want to feed my fishies and say good night to them, I fall asleep for a couple of hours.
I know a lot of friends, family, and perfect strangers would like to help me rebuild what once was my life. My identity is nearly gone. But my dignity that I gained back so quickly with clothes donations, toiletries, etc helps ease the pain, and I appreciate all that has been done already.
Thank you to all of the first responders for trying your best and keeping me safe, to hospital staff for my treatment, to friends, family, and unanimous persons who provided quick support to get the some essentials my cat and I needed.
I never like to ask for help. But I know people would like to offer. You will never be forgotten and I love you all.
God bless.
Organizer
Nicholas Emrich
Organizer
Baldwinsville, NY