By Benjamin Stallard, Student Guest Writer from Louisa County High School

The American Red Cross has a checklist of what to do in the event of a house fire. This checklist includes calling 9-1-1, checking doorknobs before using the doors, and getting out as soon as possible. However, in the heat of the moment during a fire, these tips and tricks disappear from your memory almost instantly.

On February 11, 2025, six inches of snow fell in Louisa County and Louisa County Public Schools closed for the day. Many people considered this a good grace, but this blessing quickly turned into a burden for my family. Around 11:00 that night, a fire started in the walls of my parents’ bedroom and in the floor of the attic.

When our house caught fire, all I could think about was what to save, so I rushed to grab my school and track bags, a watch from my dad, a hand-carved donkey from New Mexico, and my state championship ring—items I could carry easily. I got my panicked sister and our dog into the car, made sure they were safe, then ran back in, grabbing my parents’ wedding photo and my sister’s school bag and tablet with help from my dad. As the fire worsened, I noticed flames coming from the chimney vent. My dad, in a state of shock, was still trying to grab shoes, and I had to yell at him that it was time to leave. We moved the cars into the road and watched in disbelief as our home burned.

One of the hardest moments I experienced was when I heard the first set of sirens coming from a squad car from the county sheriff’s. The officer asked us if anyone was in the house and we said no, but as that happened my dad realized that our bunnies, who were in the basement, were still inside. Leading for me and my dad to sprint back into the first floor of the house and into the basement where we cleared both hutches. The snow that had fallen prevented the fire department from being able to efficiently get to my house.

When the fire department fully arrived and was able to start extinguishing the fire, it was well after midnight, and over an hour since my mom called 911. I had my breaking point shortly after this. My knees buckled and I started to cry. I had to be comforted by my mom just to be able to stand up.

Along with the more and more firefighters arriving, our neighbors had gathered in our cul-de-sac and offered their support. My mom and dad decided that my sister and I should not watch the fire, and our neighbor graciously let us stay in their basement for the night.

This is where my time at my house ended, and I had to say goodbye to my home. I went inside my neighbor’s house to sit with my mom, and the world had never felt heavier.

Jen Bailey

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