A Christmas Eve tragedy turned into a heartwarming tale of heroism and community support for a family in Christian County. Late on Tuesday night, an Ozark family’s holiday was shattered when a fire broke out in their home. But thanks to the quick actions of Ozark firefighters, the family not only had their lives saved but also some of their Christmas gifts preserved.
The fire, which started in the chimney and quickly spread through the flue, had the potential to destroy the home. Ozark Fire Chief Jerrett Metheny described the scene, “Upon our arrival, we found a chimney fire. Basically, it started in the chimney and spread through the flue, then outside the house.”
For about 30 minutes, firefighters fought the flames along East Melanie Lane, racing against time to salvage as many gifts as possible from the burning home. Despite their efforts, Metheny confirmed that the house is likely a total loss, leaving the family of six without a place to stay during the holidays.
“They’re staying in a hotel,” the chief said, adding that it could take one to two months for the family to find a new home.
However, the tragedy didn’t end the family’s Christmas spirit. Neighbors and the local community rallied together, providing clothes, gifts, and support to help the family get through this difficult time.
The family had only moved into the house a few months ago and hadn’t yet had the chance to clean or inspect their chimney, a critical step that fire officials stress every year. The incident serves as a reminder for everyone to ensure their chimneys are safe before the winter season.
As for the firefighters, they continue to stand ready, no matter the occasion. “You know, our firefighters work 24/7 every day, and so they’re always ready. So it doesn’t matter if it’s Christmas Eve or in the middle of the week, we’re always ready. But you know, Christmas Eve is a tough night,” the chief said.
Despite the devastation, the kindness and resilience of the community ensured this family would still have a Christmas they would never forget, for all the right reasons.
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