Dear Editor,
On Monday morning, at 1 a.m. on Aug. 19th, I awoke to crackling in my home and sparks in the electrical box. I called 9-1-1, and the Eatonton City Police responded. They then requested the fire department be summoned and were informed that they had already been contacted.
This all occurred in less than 10 minutes after the call to 9-1-1 was placed. The city and county fire departments both arrived within five minutes. They immediately began gaining access to the crawl space where the fire started. A locked gate blocked this access, but they managed to gain access immediately.
Other responders had entered the house and put out the sparks/flames in the electrical box. They then opened all bedroom and bathroom doors and opened all windows to try to air out the home. City of Eatonton Fire Chief Jamey Williamson thoughtfully explained what was going on and what had occurred.
At the same time, my dogs were in the backyard running loose, and when the gate was opened, the responders brought the girls out to me so that they would be safe. They even retrieved a kennel from the garage; thus, the dogs were secured, so I didn’t have to worry about them.
Cliff Collins, battalion chief of the Putnam County Fire Department, was also very helpful. He brought me a bottle of water. He escorted me into the house after the danger was gone and allowed me to get some personal effects.
He secured the front and back doors when he left.
Everyone was so professional and courteous. The police provided me with a safe place to sit during the night.
I was blessed to wake up to the crackling and to see our first responders arrive so quickly and work so efficiently.
Thank you so much,
Debbie Rivers, Eatonton