A couple from Westwood, Ronald and Patricia Hunter, escaped unharmed from a fire that destroyed their home on Thanksgiving morning. Memphis Police Department and the Memphis Fire Department responded to the incident that began around 6 a.m. in their residence on Hammett Drive, as reported by Action News 5.
The early morning blaze that started in the den was discovered when Mr. Hunter woke up with the intention to satisfy a craving for a piece of cake, but instead, found himself confronting smoke and flames, according to a FOX13 Memphis interview, “I want my piece of cake," he said while his wife reacted to the danger, urging him to leave the house, she recounted the alarming scenario and her prompt intervention that led them to safety.
The Hunters' neighbors have already started initiatives to support the couple in their time of need and loss, with Rodney Hearse explaining the logistics of recovering from such a disaster that while recognizing insurance claims can take time, there is often a need for immediate financial aid, Mrs. Hunter, in recounting their narrow escape to FOX13, emphasized the sense of divine intervention in their survival, her husband agreed, despite the significant loss that emotionally overwhelmed him, including the irreplaceable family memorabilia.
The couple is temporarily residing with family while they plan their next steps towards rebuilding their home and lives as reported by Elk Valley Times. Fred Currie, a longtime resident across from the Hunters, expressed the close-knit community's resolve to assist, he signaled his personal commitment to their cause.
