Electrical fire destroys Smith home

PROTECTED CONTENT

If you’re a current subscriber, log in below. If you would like to subscribe, please click the subscribe tab above.

Username

Password

Login

Lost your password?

Username and Password Help

Please enter your email and we will send your username and password to you.

Email

Submit

← Back

‘There isn’t any use in crying’

By Elizabeth Tanner—

A fire destroyed the home of Bobby Smith Saturday night.

Members of the Post Volunteer Fire Department responded to a fire call at Smith’s home at 8:08 p.m. Aug. 8.

Fire Chief Jimmy Valdez said the cause was determined to be electrical, and the fire reportedly started in the southeast bedroom of Smith’s home.

“I was sitting in the living room only about six foot away,” Smith said. “I smelled something burning – it smelled electrical. Then, I heard popping in the bedroom. When I opened the door, I saw blazing flames.”

Not too long after, firefighters arrived on scene and quickly extinguished the flames – although too late for any of Smith’s belongings or home to be salvaged.

“They had the flames down pretty quick,” Smith said regarding PVFD’s urgency. “I’m really thankful for how quickly they responded.”

Although his residence was determined a total loss by fire department officials, Smith said he is thankful he was able to get out of the house safely.

“I’m doing great,” Smith said while still on the scene. “I’m a little shaken but I’m fantastic.”

First responder and Smith’s brother, Wayne Smith, said he also is shaken, admitting that when he heard his brother’s address come across the pager his heart dropped.

“When they paged Bobby’s address, I called him right away,” Wayne Smith said. “When he answered the phone, I knew he was okay, so I grabbed my gear and took off.”

In fact, Wayne Smith believes the only reason Bobby Smith survived is because of how old the home is, explaining that the materials used to build older homes, especially the wood, have a better chance of holding up under the conditions of a house fire.

“The only reason the roof didn’t cave in on his head is because of how old the house is,” Wayne Smith said. “If it would’ve been a newer model, it would’ve been a lot worse – it would’ve gone up like a matchbox.”

Planning to stay with his brother until he is able to get back on his feet, Smith said there is no use in crying over his loss.

“I learned a long time ago that there isn’t any use in crying,” Smith said. “It wouldn’t do any good anyways. The damage is done, and the important thing is that I’m alright.”

To help Smith, donate by visiting https://gf.me/u/yn6gzv. All proceeds will go to Bobby Smith.