A fiery calamity shattered the serenity of a peaceful Sunday when Clovis McKenzie was forced to spring into action to save his non-verbal grandson from a blazing inferno that consumed his home. McKenzie reported hearing "pop, pop, pop," before flames rapidly took over the residence. Amidst the chaotic blaze, McKenzie's son, Chad, had to blindly search through dense smoke to rescue 18-year-old Cameron, who has an intellectual disability and is non-verbal, according to an interview with KENS 5.
The heroic act unfolded as McKenzie was unable to locate Cameron due to the intense smoke blanketing the home. Chad was forced to literally feel about to find his cousin and pull him to safety. McKenzie emotionally recounted, "My grandson would have been dead today. He would have been out cold. Luckily, God sent my son," in a statement obtained by KENS 5. Neighbors also rallied to assist, with one, Nonnie Briggs, trying to help suppress the fire with a water hose prior to the arrival of firefighting units.
The San Antonio Fire Department arrived within minutes to the scene on Dolomite Drive, an area located near 281 and TPC Parkway. Both Clovis and Cameron were transported to the hospital following the incident. While they have since been reported doing fine, Cameron sustained burns to his forehead, neck, back, and arm, McKenzie said.
In the aftermath of the blaze, the family finds themselves grappling with the loss of their home and possessions. "It is hard," Clovis admitted, "Whatever help I can get. It is hard," he told KENS 5. McKenzie's daughter Cindi expressed tremendous gratitude towards the neighborhood's support during this devastating ordeal. The family is currently putting a claim in with their insurance while the cause of the fire remains under investigation by the San Antonio Fire Department.
