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A Close Call

After a close call with a chimney fire last Saturday night, we feel compelled to write this letter for several reasons.

The first among them is to thank the Deep River Fire Department for its prompt, efficient, and exhaustive work at extinguishing this rather tricky fire. The members pulled out all the stops and spent hours going above and beyond to carefully assure that the fire was out. When they finally drove away, we were completely confident that our home was safe.

We also want to thank our neighbors, particularly Paul Carlson who rang our doorbell to alert us to the flames coming out of the chimney. Many others stayed with us to lend their support as we watched from our yard.

Most of all, our heartfelt thanks go to the anonymous man driving by who spotted the fire, called 911, and then stopped Paul as he was out walking his dog to ask who lived here. We wish we could've thanked him in person, but he drove off once Paul rang our bell and he saw that we were home.

Nothing is more harrowing than the minutes one takes to find and round up the pets (three cats, one dog) and leave the house, with the terrifying sound of the chimney roaring like a train was in our living room. So, please, those who use their fireplace often (as we do) should be sure to have their chimney cleaned annually. We will, now.

We have been living in this community for nearly four years and are so happy to know we're safe and secure and well-looked-after by all.

David, Leigh, and Ian Basilone

Deep River