Community acts quickly to extinguish fire

November 23, what was supposed to be the first day of a family reunion to celebrate the festive season, turned into a disaster that could have caused a huge loss if not for the community of Ferryvale.

Adriano Ciccone shared with HERAUT: “My brother-in-law and his family arrived in the morning from London to visit and spend Christmas with us. Close to sunset, we received a call informing us the house was on fire.

“We left the living room but saw nothing until we turned full circle and noticed black smoke rising from behind the garage. As we arrived at the back of the garage, the fire engulfed a shed, with the threat that it could spread.”

Ciccone said if not for the community and neighbours’ assistance, the fire would have probably spread to the rest of the house.

“We were in the lounge talking and did not hear or see anything because the fire originated from the other side of where we were sitting,” he said.

According to Ciccone, the quick response from neighbours and the community saved them from disaster.

“They are all superhuman beings. I can imagine my father-in-law was sad as his Vespa was burnt. The reaction from the community amazed my brother-in-law, who arrived from London,” Ciccone added.

The neighbours gave them their hosepipe and three men from the surrounding area arrived at the house with fire extinguishers. The fire was quickly extinguished.

“We do not know what caused the fire but are extremely grateful towards a community that responded so quickly. We thank the community of Nigel and convey how proud and thankful we are that my in-laws live in a community that cares.

“We sleep better at night knowing that if anything were to happen, someone would always be ready to help them, and not because they felt obliged to as my in-laws are elderly, but because they are the best neighbours; people we all love and be fortunate enough to live amongst,” Ciccone said.