We Were On TV!!!

Did you see us? Yesterday we got up in the morning about 8:00 am and started to have breakfast when all of a sudden I smell smoke. I didn't think too much of it because the guy underneath us smokes, but when I saw the thick black smoke out the front window and heard people pounding on the doors to get out I freaked out.

Matt and I hurried and threw on some clothes, frantically grabbed some important documents, my computer and my purse and ran out the door. By that time we were running through the smoke, coughing. We moved our cars away from the building and then just stood and stared at the 15 foot high flames coming from the top of the apartment unit to the South of us that we share a wall with (about 2 feet away from our apartment at that time).

For those of you who know me, Yes, I was hysterical. I called my parents and talked to them as I stood amazed by the sight and events that were currently taking place. The wind was blowing North so all the smoke was going into our apartment. My main concern at that point was that I had forgotten to get the photo albums. Everything else, I convinced myself, would be replaceable.

Our apartment is on the top floor just left of the burning apartment.

Those that were in the burning building were moved to all one location. It's funny how you can live next to people, but never know them until something dramatic pulls you together and you become friends. Too bad none of us will ever be neighbors again.

We were given papers to report the events and then we were given hygiene kits, which were very helpful, from the Red Cross. We also got granola bars and water. We were ultimately pulled into the Clubhouse where we reported individually to the Red Cross. We were all kind of numb about the situation. A couple people were missing their cats and unfortunately were found later dead in the fire. We were all on our phones talking to family and friends explaining the events and how we were doing. I have the BEST family ever. Everyone was so supportive and helpful. I am truly blessed. Thank you everyone who helped us yesterday.

Channel 4 news came and interviewed me and Matt. Did you all see us?!? Matt also shot a video of the fire, which they played on TV as well. If you missed it, you might be able to go to abc4.com, and click on the video that is with the Midvale fire.

At about 3:00 pm we were finally told we could go into our apartment to see the damage. Luckily the owner of the complex took us under his wing and made sure we were taken care of. After quickly going through our apartment the owner took us to a few other apartments in Brighton Place, but they all had problems; smelled like smoke, right next to the dumpster, no parking, etc. He then took us over to the apartment complex, Remington Apartments, that he ownes that is right down the street. These apartments are a lot newer and nicer than Brighton Place. We decided that would be a great place, and at the same price as our old apartment, we were sold. It is a little bit smaller and we are not quite sure what we are going to do at this point with all of our junk, but I guess we'll figure it out.

You can see the sky in our closet!

Shoes in our closet Ceiling in our bedroom

Below the ceiling in our bedroom.

Another corner of our bedroom

After signing the lease we headed back over to our burned apartment. The damage wasn't as bad as I thought it would be, thank goodness. There is smoke damage to our couches and bed and some other furniture and things were ruined by the water. You can actually see the sky in our old bedroom!!! We started packing things up in sacks and boxes. My parents, Matt's parents, my brother Jeff, and my brother-in-law Shane were all there to help. We packed up my dad's truck, his covered trailor, and another truck and took it over to the new apartment.

We were so incredibly exhausted at that point, but just wanted to get somewhere secure. We were starving at that point to we got some dinner and then headed to Sears to buy us some clothes. Ours were all in the closet covered in grey insulation and water and stink of smoke.

We spent last night at my parents house. I, of course, can't sleep, so here I am writing about the events. Today at about 9:00 am there will be movers to pack us up and move us to the new apartment.