Family escapes flames but loses home in fire

The homeowners' grandchild made the family aware of the fire.
By JOHN W. GOODWIN JR.
VINDICATOR TRUMBULL STAFF
HUBBARD -- A city family is trying to salvage what is left of its home and family possessions after a fire.
City firefighters were called to the Saul Drive home of David and Violet Humphries at 5:40 p.m. Wednesday. Fire Chief John Clemente said the fire had been burning for some time before crews arrived.
Brookfield and Shenango Township, Pa., fire departments were called for assistance. Clemente said crews spent several hours battling the fire, making it necessary for additional oxygen for breathing tanks to be brought in from the Youngstown Air Reserve Station in Vienna Township.
Clemente said the fire started in the basement, but no cause has been determined. He said the flames consumed the basement and entire living area of the ranch-style home.
Vicky Barton, the Humphries' daughter, said the family is happy that no one was injured. She said the whole situation doesn't seem real.
"I keep thinking I will wake up tomorrow, and the whole thing will be a dream," she said. "I keep hoping for that."
Who lived there
According to Barton, her parents have lived in the home for about 33 years. At the time of the fire, she said, there were six members and three generations of the family living in the home: the Humphries; their son; Barton; and Barton's two daughters, age 8 and 4.
Barton said the family credits the 8-year-old child for getting everyone out without injury. She said the child smelled smoke and told her younger sister to crawl to the front door before alerting an adult in the house that there was a fire.
The fire, she also noted, was likely burning in the basement for some time before it was noticed. There were no smoke detectors in the home, she said.
The family is now staying at a local hotel.
Barton said the house is a total loss. She said along with the house went all of the family's clothing and prized possessions including photos dating back 90 years -- and a Bible that had been brought to this country from Wales more than 100 years ago.
Family members spent time Thursday sorting through what is left of the home to collect what items can be saved. Beyond that, she said, the family is unsure what will happen next.
jgoodwin@vindy.com