We had hoped to have power by Tuesday, but no. The church had power restored Tuesday afternoon, so we spent most of Tuesday at the church, and hoped to have our power back on by Wednesday. There was a huge downed tree on our road, so we watched that tree. We knew there would be no power on our road until that tree was moved. On the way to church Wednesday night, we drove by and were so happy to see the tree was moved off the wire and the linemen were working on the downed lines. After church, I checked the Internet and saw that power had been restored to our road! We quickly left to get home. Sam, Jack and I left the church and headed home. When we turned on our road, we cheered as we saw lights on in every home. I could not wait to lay in my bed with the fan right on me!
As we rounded the large curve heading up to our house, I noticed the porch light on! We cheered again, but even as I was cheering, I noticed the house looked "strange". I didn't know why, but I knew it didn't look right. I also knew I left living room lights on, and I could see the lamp in front of the window wasn't on. I didn't give it too much thought as I pulled in the driveway, but as I pulled up, I saw smoke around the porch light. Again, I didn't give it too much thought, thinking maybe it was fog, or condensation in the air. I jumped out, grabbed the keys and my purse and headed toward the door. I put the keys in the lock, turned the knob and swung open the door.
Black smoke hit me full force in the face. I couldn't figure out what was going on, I looked in the house but could see nothing. Finally I realized the house was on fire. I yelled for Schnitzel several times, then threw the phone to Sam and said call dad, the generator is on fire! I then went back, and called for the dog again. I heard noises in the house, and all I could think of was that the dog was in one of the bedrooms and was scratching at the door to get out. I never really thought of going in because the smoke scared me. All of this took place in about 30 seconds. I quickly ran next door and pounded on their door and yelled my house is on fire. They both came running out and I think they both called 911. I yelled to Nick that Schnitzel was still in the house and he ran to the open door. I was afraid he was going to try and go in and I yelled for him not to.
All the while Jack was standing in the driveway, watching everything play out. At this point, Sharon got him and Sam and put them in her house. Paul, Ben and Emma drove up. Sharon got Ben and Emma in her house and Paul ran around the house to the backyard to make sure Sam wasn't in the backyard, even though I told him Sam was in the neighbor's house. Paul and Nick quickly moved the cars so the fire trucks could get close. Paul really considered going in the house and I yelled at him not to go in. Thankfully he didn't.
3 big firetrucks arrived and the firemen took over. Many neighbors had come out at this point to see what was going on. Paul Jr. and Courtney arrived and Ellie also. It was unreal to be standing there watching your house in flames. The firemen quickly put the fire out. I kept hoping Schnitzel was going to be ok, that he had been hiding in a back bedroom under a blanket. I saw the firemen come out of the house, winding up the hose and I asked the fireman standing next to me if they were done. He said yes. I told him about Schnitzel. He went up to one the firemen, who then put his mask back on and went back in the house. Soon after, this fireman came back out and I watched as he went to Paul and put his hand on Paul's shoulder and shake his head. Schnitzel didn't make it. I knew he had probably died, but until that point, I had hoped for a different outcome.
