By Zoey Zeller
With the weather getting warmer and drier, fire season is upon us. Warnings continue to emphasize the importance of ensuring smoke detectors are functioning and having a fire escape plan in place. For UWGB English and Humanities Professor Roshelle Amundson, the dangers of home fires are painfully evident.
On the first Saturday of March, Amundson’s De Pere duplex house fell victim to a tragic fire and resulted in an explosion. According to a news release from De Pere Fire Rescue’s Battalion Chief Brett Jansen, Amundson had escaped to the roof of the two-story duplex and was helped down by a neighbor. The fire was in the basement and extinguished, but damages are estimated at around $550,000 due to the structural damage causing a complete loss. The cause of the explosion is still under investigation.
Battalion Chief Brett Jansen stated that the department collaborated with the Red Cross and the De Pere Health Department to assist residents who were involved in fires. He noted that even when the fire was extinguished, smoke often destroyed much of the residents’ personal belongings.
Jansen also reported that many fire victims launch GoFundMe campaigns because they often lose all their possessions, and insurance may not fully cover their needs.
“It’s a lot for them to go through. They have to pay for hotels and food…Red Cross isn’t enough if you lost everything,” Jansen said.
Although firefighters try their best to salvage as much property as they can, such as valuable items like televisions and appliances, resident safety is their priority.
The De Pere Fire Rescue team recommends various safety practices that can reduce the risk of fires in the first place. Jansen observes that “a lot of the fires [they] do see are usually based off campfires or cooking fires.”
The Battalion Chief urged residents to properly put fires out with water when they were finished with them and to wait at least two to three days before disposing of them. A common mistake people make is putting the hot coals or ashes in plastic bins near the house, where they can easily interact with combustible items.
“If you hear smoke detectors go off, get out right away, stay out of the house, and stay nice and low to the ground,” Jansen said. The smoke being produced off burning materials can be very toxic and knock a person unconscious with a single breath.
In Professor Amundson’s case, she was concerned about the safety and well-being of her two cats. Chief Jansen affirmed that this is a common concern among residents and commented that “most times, pets try to get out on their own. If they don’t come out, tell firefighters about them.”
Luckily, both of Amundson’s cats were returned to her safely. As for her personal well-being, she has been in and out of the hospital but is now on the road to recovery. However, that means more medical bills on top of her other expenses due to the fire.
Professor Tracy Fernandez Rysavy, a colleague and close friend, said that the GoFundMe is still open to those who have the means. Kind notes from students have also done a lot to cheer her up, and positive thoughts and prayers are always appreciated.
Jansen and De Pere Fire Rescue reminded residents to be aware of lights and sirens while on the road. They report seeing an increase in drivers who do not pull over to the right and stop when encountered by an emergency response vehicle, which makes it more difficult for first responders to reach their destination. A rapid response time can make all the difference in fires, such as Professor Amundson’s.
(picture taken by Zoey Zeller for City of De Pere)