Dear editor: Thanks to fire department

Dear editor:

An article of July 10, 2014, The Sentinel-Record front-page picture and write-up on Page 2, of a lightning strike at 305 Vineyard. Two bolts of lightning hit the house and a 200-year-old oak tree. Two fire trucks and a police car responded at 5 a.m. to my 911 call that there was smoke inside that had a metallic odor. They came in three minutes time, and looked throughout the house, went into the attic, out back checked on deck there, gave a complete and thorough inspection for fire.

Fortunately, none was found, whereby I told firemen Lt. Chad Roberts and all crew I had turned off all appliances, even phone lines. He said perhaps that kept the house from fire, the odor of smoke was from a direct hit from lightning. They were courteous, efficient and I felt relieved they gave such superior inspection to the house, attic, garage and all outside of the 305 Vineyard house.

Hot Springs is fortunate, indeed, to have such an efficient fire department, such as these firemen of two large trucks. Their quick three-minute response to my call and their expertise speaks well of our fire chief, Ed Davis, to have such dedicated and efficient, courteous, personnel in our city of Hot Springs. Our sincere thanks and deep appreciation. May they all be safe in all calls we hope and pray. Thank all you firemen for a perfect job well done!

No damage to appliances due to my turning them off and unplugging them, otherwise, firemen said I would have had perhaps fire or explosion from such a direct hit of lightning that busted in the electric breaker box, which Welcoe Electric installed another.

Thanks to David Wetzler and gratitude to Entergy for bringing down and restoring feeder lines to 305 and 315 Vineyard several days continuously. Thanks for Jarad Hawthorn Tree Service, Farmers Tree Bucket Service removal also. Discount Glass of Little Rock installed smashed windshield. Roofer Bill Swindle repairing decking, rafters and cornices for all roof damage repair. For Mrs. Rougeau of State Farm Insurance, my sincere appreciation for your expertise and appreciation to all those who responded so speedily in response and help to problems of concern and kindness during a very dangerous and trying time for all concerned at 305 and 315 Vineyard.

Mary Binns

Hot Springs

Editorial on 07/23/2014

Upcoming Events