An Omaha family is looking for another place to live after fire destroyed their home Saturday afternoon, causing $230,000 in damage.
The blaze was reported near 108th and Military around 2 p.m. Everyone had safely by the time firefighters arrived but there was little they could do. "As soon as we pulled out of the station we saw heavy smoke," says Battalion Chief Bob McDonnell.
When the fire was extinguished, neighbors began efforts to help the displaced family. Neighbor after neighbor turned up with clothing and other items to see to their immediate needs.
Sharon Doolittle told 6 News, “We knew the need was there.” I knew what I had in my home and I have lots more," she said.
Ben Shultz was on the scene as well. He’s an Alaskan firefighter undergoing rehab in Omaha after surviving a 95-foot fall a year ago. He occasionally socializes with OFD crews and happened to be on hand when this call came in. It was the first fire he had seen since his accident.
“The cool thing was watching all the people in the neighborhood help out - bringing out water and snacks for firefighters and people in the community. It’s very humbling to see how much involvement there is,” he told 6 News.
Investigators are still looking for what sparked the fire.