GRANITE CITY, Ill. — Barbara Davis went out to get a gallon of milk Thursday afternoon and returned to an inferno.
The 78-year-old watched helplessly as firefighters and police tried unsuccessfully to save the home where her family has lived since she was just 10 years old.
All she could think about was her 6-year-old German Shepherd Sarge who was still inside. She said she collapsed in the arms of her "baby brother," who is 2 years younger than her.
“All I could say was, ‘My dog! My dog!’” she recalled during an interview with 5 On Your Side Tuesday from her sister-in-law’s restaurant, Teri’s Diner.
Miraculously, the dog survived without a scratch or even singed hair.
But the home, and the home next door where two women and an 8-year-old little girl lived didn’t.
Now, the community is rallying around the four fire victims to help get them back on their feet.
The two women who lived in the home next to Davis were too traumatized to talk about the ordeal with 5 On Your Side, but said they’ve been “heartened” by all of the support that is already starting to come in to help them.
One of the women said she was in her shower when the blaze began and ran out of her house with just a towel on her body. That ended up being the only thing she had left for the first few hours after the fire. Her car, which was parked near the driveway, was also totally destroyed.
The victim told 5 On Your Side firefighters believe the fire began in their trash can, and could have been caused by a chemical reaction of some sort in the heat.
The Granite City Fire Department’s deputy chief told 5 On Your Side the investigation is still underway, but confirmed it appeared to have begun in the trash can.
The women did not have renter’s insurance.
Both women drive school buses for the Granite City Community Unit School District, which contracts with First Student bus company. That company is now planning a Stuff the Bus donation drive for the family that will take place June 24 at Granite City High School.
“First Student is new to Granite City and the school district and I just think it’s great that the community can come together like this,” said Charles Smilinich, a First Student representative.
Here's an itemized list of what the family needs:
Kayleen (26)
- Shirts: Sm-Med
- Jeans/Shorts:4-6
- Bras:36DD
- Shoes/Socks: 9.5 womens
Heather (29)
- Shirts: Medium in men's
- Jeans: 34/32 in men's
- Shorts: Medium
- Bra: Large sports bra
- Shoes/Socks: 7.5 men's shoes
Brooklyn (8)
- Clothing: Size 8
- Shoes and socks: Size 1
- Underwear: 6-7
They need all the essentials:
- Pillows
- Blankets
- Sheets
- Mattress (Queen size & Twin)
Brooklyn also loves outdoor activities, painting, coloring and grafts, and would love a bike or scooter, First Student said.
Teri’s Diner in Granite City also has fundraisers planned for both families in which 25% percent of the restaurant’s proceeds will go to the families and there are raffles and silent auctions also planned. Those fundraisers will take place Thursday and June 20 at the diner. For more information, contact the diner at (618) 797-1501.
Here are links to GoFundMe fundraisers started for the families: