Neighborhood Calamity

 Yesterday about 1 p.m. we encountered a fire engine heading down our cul-de-sac as we were heading out. It realized it could not get through our street so backed up and went one block south. As we drove past the end of our quadplex we could see smoke pouring out of the roof of the building behind ours. We were gone less than an hour; when we returned, we could see fire engines (maybe 5?) from surrounding communities besides the Winona Lake Engine.

From our angle looking at the rear of the condo two doors down, it didn't look too bad, but when we saw images from the front we could see there was lots of damage.

The lady in the purple coat and the man with the cap are the residents of the condo where the flames are leaping out. 

The two photos above are what we could see. There were all kinds of people walking through our backyard so they could observe the damage. We did see maintenance employees working with the firefighters to keep things under control.

The condo where the elderly lady who is legally blind lives is a total loss. The couple's condo is not habitable. They may be able to salvage some things though there was smoke and water damage. The eastern end unit was vacant, the resident having died several months ago. We learned today that our friends who live directly behind us in the western end unit have some smoke damage. They are meeting with an insurance adjuster today. We have not talked with the other 3 people.

Grace Village put 4 victims in guest rooms in the main building last night, with the blind lady in a rehab room they had vacant so somebody could help her get around. None of the residents were injured.

The majority of the folks here know each other and interact in events and activities. It is not just a collection of condos, but a real community. In the 11 1/2 years that we have lived here, there has never been a fire in Robin Hood. 

What will these people who lost their homes do? There may be a few empty units to put them in, but I am guessing the blind lady will end up in an apartment or more likely in Assisted Living. Lots of major decisions and challenges ahead.