UPDATE: Granger neighborhood offers support to family devastated by fire

by Sarah Rice (srice@wsbt.com)

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Crews battle a huge fire at a home in the Saddlebrook Subdivision in Granger (WSBT Photo)

Crews battle a huge fire at a home in the Saddlebrook subdivision in Granger on Saturday, May 10, 2008. (WSBT Photo)

By WSBT News1

GRANGER -- Investigators are still searching for answers after a massive fire broke out in a Granger neighborhood Saturday. That fire started just before 1 p.m. in a large home in the Saddlebrook subdivision.

Investigators don't know how or where this fire started. But one thing is for sure, neighbors are offering as much support as they can to a family left without a home.

"I have never seen anything like it. It was unbelievable," said neighbor Keith Bradley.

It was the last thing Bradley expected to see as he was working in his garage.

"And then the sky just filled with smoke. It was black and dense and horrible. And people were panicky,” said Bradley.

Bradley along with several other neighbors rushed over to the home to help.

"I mean everyone came out to try to do something. But there was obviously nothing that could be done," said Bradley.

And when firefighters arrived they faced shooting flames and heavy smoke.

"They attempted to go inside and extinguish the fire. However, there was just too much fire at the time. We had to back the crews out and we had to fight from the outside," said Harris Township Fire Captain Justin Stopczynski.

Neighbors say the owner was the only one inside the home when the fire started. She was able to get out safely with the family pets.

“We’re just glad everybody got out of the house. There were no injuries so we’re glad for that,” said Stopczynski.

While investigators work to find a cause, neighbors work to help a family devastated and in need.

"We just have to be optimistic and hope that the house can be rebuilt and she can move back pretty quickly," said Bradley.

The state fire marshal has been called in to help determine a cause. Police say the home is roughly 3,000 square feet and is valued at $675,000.

Monday, May 12 at 10:41 PM Judge and Jury wrote ...

To all the highly opinionated negative well-wishers...are you their accountant? How would you know how much money they have or don't? I have loads of money but I only live in a 75K house. Have you saved any extra money for an unexpected emergency? Please stop being a judgmental, hypocritical, stereotypist and seek some treatment for the issues you have about life wronging you.

Monday, May 12 at 10:17 PM malmorality wrote ...

I often wondered what makes a person truly homeless... outright laziness or a rash of bad circumstances? I choose to try to build my "legacy" of a life, but it could all be easily taken away in a blink of an eye. I don't live on the west side, but I did start my livelihood with only $40 and a prayer in my pocket. I'm now blessed with a decent living, but whether rich or poor, nothing is certain in life except death and taxes (those two words are synonyms these days).

Monday, May 12 at 6:22 PM Anonymous wrote ...

To: Sbend. You're changing your story. You originally said they were looking for handouts. They're not. Plus, when did you become the expert on what other people can afford? You don't know their circumstances and should not stand in judgement of them or make assumptions about them. How about a little compassion for someone who lost everything. Just because someone may be able to replace things does not mean this family is not hurting.

Monday, May 12 at 3:59 PM S.Bend man wrote ...

Whole point being, these people are wealthy, and are not hurting too much from this. Not like someone who has a $65K - $75K home and would be without anything if this happened. Think about it people, they can totally afford to stay in a luxurious hotel until their house is repaired, and insurance replaces their IPODS. This is not about being jealous, this is just truth. Its the ones commenting negative towards what I am saying that are the jealous ones.

Monday, May 12 at 3:04 PM Anonymous wrote ...

D'oh! I meant to say "high off the hog". I guess I should furthur educate myself on how to proofread.

Monday, May 12 at 2:40 PM Linda wrote ...

I totally agree with Anon. Why criticize someone who educated themselves beyond high school and made a career for themselves. It sounds like jealousy to me. Not everyone gets money handed to them. Most have worked very hard for it. I make a good living but I am not wealthy and I don't envy anyone who is. That is so immature. I feel for the family. I don't care how much money they have. It is nice the neightborhood rallys around them. Isn't that what we are supposed to do?

Monday, May 12 at 1:37 PM Anonymous wrote ...

Hey S. Bend Man - Those people on the west side need handouts cuz they're too dumb to be able to make a living. When people don't get an education, or don't prepare themselves for their futures, they end up living at or below the poverty line then assume the government will help them thru life. I applaud anyone who can afford to live hog off the hog because they are smart enough to make that kind of living. Yes, I'm wealthy because I worked hard at making something of myself. You are poor! Ha!

Monday, May 12 at 1:00 PM sheesh wrote ...

To sbend man: They are not asking for anything. What they need(their home back) they will do on their own. Someone on here asked how they could help,so someone else posted information. Try not to be so hostile and jealous. I'm sure you'd be happy to hear they lost everything and, without your help, they will replace what they can. Thanks for your concern!

Monday, May 12 at 12:50 PM Candy wrote ...

For those of you who are out there judging what this family does and does not have is not the issue. The issue is this family is without everything they worked so hard to have. They are a family who is suffering from a horrible experience. Where is your heart at?

Monday, May 12 at 11:55 AM S.Bend man wrote ...

These people have a $675,000 house and they are looking for handouts? You have got to be kidding me! Their house payment is more per year than what the majority of people in this town make!! Just ridiculous. I understand they lost a few posessions, but c'mon people. They are loaded! No problem for them to replace everything even before insurance hooks them up. Go to the west side of S.Bend, those are people that deserve handouts!!

Monday, May 12 at 11:05 AM South Bend wrote ...

To Anon: Duhhhhhhh! Learn to read. This is about a house burning down not loud car stereos and trash thrown in your yard. Yeah..it's wrong but were you ever a kid once? Did you ever do stupid things? Did you try to impress your friends by doing stupid things? Yes..I am sure you did cause your human. These people didn't ask for nor do they need your pity. They also don't need your hateful posts so why don't you go back outside and feed your chickens.

Monday, May 12 at 10:27 AM Anonymous wrote ...

them people got money, but the main reason I care about them is because they don't get a big, thigh slapping guffaw driving around the block blasting migraine inducing subwoofers, being obnoxiously loud and drunk, leaving fast food trash on the ground, and then acting like it's "hate" when no one loves them for it. You may get a big laugh irritating polite society day in and day out, so don't act shocked when no one cares that yo' po' mamas house done burn down.

Monday, May 12 at 8:25 AM Linda wrote ...

John, What difference does it make if they had money. I am sure they worked hard for it? Furthermore, the loss of pictures and mementos can't replaced with any amount of money they have or will ever have. How can you be so cruel?

Sunday, May 11 at 11:02 PM becky wrote ...

hey john money does not replace photos of family members who have passed away or family airlomes i was at the fire when it was burning and it was a very sad thing to see thinking it could have been me and my kids in that home and lose every thing we owned to the family iam so so sorry about your home and i will keep you in my prayers god bless you

Sunday, May 11 at 5:23 PM Paine wrote ...

We don't really know if they were living beyond their means and putting on a front of being rich by living in a giant house, or if they had money and insurance and will just turn around and build a bigger better one. The story doesn't say. I guess if the family is in dire straits, looking for shelter in the next few days, we have the answer to our question. If it were me, I'd be able to afford it, and I'd reassure the neighbors, saying, "no worries here; STUFF can be replaced"!

Sunday, May 11 at 4:13 PM Northpoint PTO wrote ...

Single mom of 3, lost home all belongings. Thankfully, all were unharmed, except one cat, whereabouts still unknown. Little time to save anything. Kids concerned with pet's safety. Speculation that fire started at gas fireplace. How to help? Unsure, but... clothing sizes: boy (age 5 1/2) is sz. 6 - shoe sz. 11 1/2; girl (6th gr.) is sz. sm/10 - shoe sz. 5; and girl (4th gr.) is sz. 8 - shoe sz. ? (info provided by oldest girl). Donations? Call Northpoint PTO 574.271.8598

Sunday, May 11 at 2:32 PM Dan Ornat wrote ...

Well no doubt John's a moron but he was smart enough to get a reation out of most of the comments made. Congratulations contributors. You provided him with exactly what is needed to 'fuel' his fire.

Sunday, May 11 at 1:05 PM luc wrote ...

We saw somke coming from the air in Bridlewood!!!

Sunday, May 11 at 11:48 AM Karen wrote ...

My dauchter and her family live in a new home also. The electrical plug for their dryer(where it plugs into the wall) was faulty (made in China) thankfully they smelled smoke and the dryer shut off before they had a majoy fire. Their home is only 4 years old.

Sunday, May 11 at 11:03 AM Anonymous wrote ...

Dear John You're an idiot

Sunday, May 11 at 10:53 AM sue wrote ...

Don't trust everything you read in the paper. They lost a cat. Kids are heartbroken. But, John, thanks for your concern.

Sunday, May 11 at 10:36 AM LA wrote ...

To F.- they got ALL of the pets out safely, it said so in the article above.

Sunday, May 11 at 10:26 AM SS wrote ...

What a terrible thing to happen! I don't believe that I have ever heard of one of these nearly new homes burning so intensly. What on earth could have caused such a devastating fire? I am so glad no one was hurt. Was the SUV damaged also?

Sunday, May 11 at 10:22 AM south bend wrote ...

John, that is a terrible thing to say. They probably worked hard for what they have. My thoughts and prayers for this family.

Sunday, May 11 at 10:03 AM jake w wrote ...

john you sound like s big dumb jerk. what would you say if that was your house?

Sunday, May 11 at 9:57 AM County Highway worker wrote ...

Glad to hear everyone is ok! Such a friendly neighborhood in Saddlebrook, I enjoy getting to work in there when I can..everyone waves! Take care and hope you get back on your feet real soon!!

Sunday, May 11 at 9:39 AM Denise wrote ...

My thoughts and prayers are with the family. It doesn't matter if they have money or not. They have lost their home and memories that you can't replace.

Sunday, May 11 at 9:12 AM f wrote ...

for comment #2 from John- what a horrible thing to say! children lost their home & a pet. shame on you!

Sunday, May 11 at 8:48 AM Cory wrote ...

I've got so many tears in my eyes that I can hardly type this message. Where can I make a donation?

Sunday, May 11 at 6:15 AM john wrote ...

them people got money .

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