Neighbor’s quick action saves New Bedford family from house fire
NEW BEDFORD, Mass. (WJAR) — A New Bedford neighborhood is rallying together to help a local family after their home caught fire early Wednesday morning.
However, the help began when the blaze at 74 Dewolf St. was much smaller.
“It looked like just a little tiki torch, like someone was sitting on their porch with a mosquito thing,” said Mitchell Jackson, who lives a block away and happened to be outside when he saw a small flame from afar.
Jackson apparently started walking down the street.
“I saw it grow and grow and by the time I got to the corner I realized it was a fire, I called 911,” said Jackson.
Jackson ran towards the home on fire to try to help.
“I was pounding on the door; I didn’t think anyone was home,” said Jackson. “It was late, I had no shoes on, I was looking for a garden hose to put it out,” he said.
Jackson attempted waking up the two adults and two children who live in the home by banging on the door so they could get out safely.
“I stood outside screaming for help and waiting for the police to come,” said Jackson.
Eventually, everyone inside made it to the back door and outside safely, while New Bedford fire crews worked to put out the blaze.
Another neighbor, Mark Lavallee, followed Jackson’s lead.
“Got some of the kids away from the house and onto our porch to make sure they were safe,” said Lavallee.
The Lavallee family also hit the pavement to start raising money to put towards a Walmart gift card for the four victims. They’re collecting donations through Venmo until August 1, and presenting it to the family shortly after that date.
“We are glad first of all that nobody was hurt, but the burden of picking up the pieces after such an event has us eager to help somehow,” said Lavallee.
The Red Cross is also assisting the family.
The cause of the fire is being investigated.