Nancy’s thank you…to the firefighters

The buildings on the island range from new to historic, and the older ones are especially prone to devastating fires, because the wood in them has had so long to season…Nancy Larsen lives in such a house, out on Redwing Road, and has a good story to tell about how things turned out:

My beloved old farmhouse is still standing thanks to the quick efforts of all the firefighters who arrived just in time to stanch a fire in my roof that, in short order, could have engulfed the whole house. I’ve since learned that this was the first time that the combined districts responded to a fire. All I can say is thank you, thank you for getting here so fast and for knowing how to put out a fire with minimal damage—miraculously there is no water or smoke damage, only the lingering smell of charred wood upstairs. Besides the expertise and swift action, what also touched me were numerous kindnesses—the firefighter who apologetically told me that he had to move my papers out of the way and that they might not be in order, but they were safe. Someone else took care of my knitting and yarn. I extend heartfelt thanks to all who showed up and saved my house.

And I thank friends and neighbors and co-workers from Griffin Bay Bookstore who showed up to help and offer support. They came with vacuums, brooms, rags, buckets, and mops and heaters to help me put things in order. Gigi at Islanders Insurance and KSD roofing moved quickly to ensure the roof was patched with tarps before the storm arrived Tuesday night. All the help and support I received exemplifies the best of island living, that community spirit of goodwill, the kind of neighborliness that means we help one another when there’s need. How fortunate for me, for all of us.

There is one person who deserves my deepest gratitude: the motorist driving down Beaverton Valley Road who spotted the smoke, who came thundering across my deck, pounding on the door, and bursting into my kitchen, startling me from my lunch with, “Call 911, your roof is on fire.” I made the call. He ran off saying, “I’ll go down to the road to direct the fire engines.”  That was the last I saw of him. Whoever you are, wherever you are, how can I thank you enough? Friends say, “He was your angel, Nancy.” I can’t think of a more apt description. Thank you.

Repairs are underway.

Sincerely,
Nancy Larsen

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