Believe It: Fire Can Touch Your Family

For most, it is unfathomable to imagine losing everything, save for life itself, in a fire. The very thought is chilling; yet it could happen to any one of us at any time.
Such an unthinkable, terrifying tragedy struck Thomas Fielder and his family on Oct. 5. Many in Cape May County, like the Fielders, live in remote, rural locations not readily served by municipal water, and thereby, by fire hydrants.
Few except insurance underwriters may give such remote placement a second thought. “The country” is where many want to live; to be away from the noise and crowds of an urban environment in the quiet of a bucolic landscape is the epitome of living well.
I found it ironic that the fire that quickly swept through the Fielders’ home occurred during National Fire Prevention Week. The day after that tragedy, Pre-K pupils from Middle Township Elementary No. 1 visited the Court House firehouse to learn about fire prevention and fire safety.
Middle Township Fire Inspector Kathy Elwell said some expert had determined that children of Pre-K and Second grade were prime targets to teach fire safety. Her brief discussion with about 30 youngsters focused on how not to fear firefighters who may appear in their fully turnout gear, and resemble something of an alien with helmet, breathing apparatus and more. They touched upon fire safety, and learned never to hide under a bed or in a closet during a fire.
She held up a smoke alarm, and let it chirp, so that all the children could know what it sounded like, if they did not have one at home. Then, she asked if they knew what to do if their clothing caught on fire. To her surprise, and the credit of some caring adults, it seemed most of the children knew to Stop, Drop and Roll, and never to run if their clothes were ablaze.
Back to the Fielder tragedy, which in many aspects could happen to any of us, regardless where we live. While the origin of the fire remained under investigation, it was believed that the fire started in the heating unit of the duplex. Final reports were to be given to him last week.
At first, Fielder said he smelled an odd odor. He told his children he was going outside to check, and for them to stay in the house. The trio, daughter, 8, son, 5, and daughter 10 months, in the arms of her sister, did not do as their father instructed, and followed him outside.
It must have been providential, since, in the short time Fielder exited the house and went to investigate, the fire ignited in the living room. His daughter went to look in the living room and screamed. The fire had gone from the lamp to the comforter and within seconds, the room was consumed in flames.
To this day, Fielder cannot imagine what was happening, since it all took place so quickly. He wanted to go back inside to get his truck keys. He reached the front door, and got a blast of heat, heard the glass of the television explode, and told the children to get across the street, where it was safe.
He called 9-1-1. Tuckahoe firefighters responded in minutes. In short order, responders were called to assist from Seaville, Marmora and from Dennis Township’s departments.
Tanker trucks, part of the county’s Northern Tanker Task Force linked up to provide water to quell the blaze.
As Fielder said, such scenes are the stuff of evening news broadcasts and newspapers, but certainly something most never think will affect them.
Fielder and his wife, Jennifer, are both Wal-Mart employees in the Rio Grande store. He said that company, maligned by some, reacted to his family’s immediate need like a big family. Neighbors, many of whom he was not well acquainted, swooped in to aid the stricken Fielders. Some carried diapers and formula for the baby. Others offered to shelter them, provided food, and so much more.
Like many in his situation, the outpouring of aid humbled Fielder. He said the family was most grateful to all who had helped in their hour of need.
Most of their material possessions were lost, but such stuff can be bought or replaced. Certainly, not all can, such as precious photographs that may have perished, but at least the lives of the children were safe. His wife was at work at the time, and was, understandably, terribly shaken by the fire.
Fielder is a Cape May County native. He graduated from Ocean City High School in 1999, and then went south for employment opportunities. Life brought the young family back to this county where many relatives await to help them. Still, as Fielder’s mother, Lucia Ramirez said, “They can only do so much.”
The Fielders will set about the task of finding a new home, rented or purchased. They had no renter’s insurance on their property, so it was a total loss to them.
They have received help from the American Red Cross and many good people who have provided clothes and so much more.
Never in a million years, did Fielder or the rest of us, ever see our lives being changed by a fire. We can be thankful that no life was lost in the blaze. The Fielder children may long remember the evening that their dad gave them a quick order, and they did not obey him, and for that their parents are most grateful, but just for once.
Perhaps they will be the ones who tell their classmates in Upper Township schools to listen when they are being taught about fire and fire safety.
After all, those children lived through a tragedy that many of us hope we never experience.
To the volunteer firefighters who place their lives in danger every time the scanner summons them to a fire scene, a humble “thank you” for what you all do for your neighbors.