When You Are Engulfed in Flames - Pics and my story in the Feb 7th Fire

[chaeldub]

When You Are Engulfed in Flames*
*not to be confused with the book by David Sedaris which, while interesting and humorous and sometimes sad, is not about being trapped inside a burning building.

Comments

[hpstrangelove]

This is amazing. I just don't know what to say. You describe it so calmly. It's difficult to imagine that your damage wasn't worse.

Your pictures just make it look so frightening and real. I'm not sure I ever would have had the control of mind to think about taking them.

[chaeldub]

It's strange but I was ridiculously calm through out the whole thing. I think it was especially after the fire came and I knew it was me or it and there was no way that it was going to win.

Thanks for looking and reading

[myrafur]

Shit, wow!

I'm in such a silly-looking jaw agape state, and am completely duh for things to say.

This is an incredible tale, and I'm so exceedingly glad you kept a cool head (hurr) and handled things. You're awesome. Awesome.

Also, lol deamus fic > fire.

Thank you for giving us this incredible glimpse into this tragic event. (Also, how much do I friggin' love your house, dude. Seriously).

[chaeldub]

Also, lol deamus fic > fire. - Proving once again that fandom conquers all.

I wanted people to get a bit of an idea as to what happened to someone who was actually in it - media is one thing but living it is another.

Also, yes my house is awesome the view was, er, will be great and its sort of open plan inside. What's even funnier it was almost a year ago that i bought it. Moved in March 20th finalised on Feb 9th 2008. It's out of town, quiet, and no-one cares if I yell Expelliarmus at large spiders when they come inside - this is yet to work in any way but I live in hope.

[jamie2109]

I was just thinking about you the other day and wondering how you were doing. It's great to hear you're doing ok and wow those photos are incredible. *hugs tight*

I'm not sure I could have been so calm abut it all, but it's hard to know. I guess left with no choice you do fight. Bloody amazing job saving your house all by yourself. You should be so very proud.

I hope it's ok I've linked this in my journal as so many of my flist was following my story which pales into insignificance compared to yours. I'll take down the post if it's not ok. ♥

[chaeldub]

*hugs back*

Go right ahead and link - i'm sure there are people who would want to sse/understand more about it.

Thanks for thinking of me, hope things get back to normal soon. here, there and everywhere.

[blamebrampton]

Bejesus burgers ... Jamie linked to your post, and I clicked.

It is simply not possible to understand the scale of the thing from outside it. The fires were so fast, so unstoppable, that they seemed like a malevolent living thing. The ability of people like you to come through, making a normal fireplan work against such abnormal flames ... it's inspiring and amazing.

I've no idea what to say aside from well done, and I hope the insurers come through quickly. Good work keeping the cat alive, too!

[chaeldub]

Thanks for reading.

they seemed like a malevolent living thing - oh, it is. I likened it to a tsunami of flames as the front passed over and moved on in as little as fifteen minutes but the destruction it left behind was enormous.

Unfortunately Riven passed away three weeks later due to the heat and smoke... but I rescued two cats from the animal shelter and now have Samson and Milo who both needed homes.

[gatesofshadows]

Oh my..
I just don't know what to say. How you managed to stay so calm is beyond me.
I was watching it unfold on the tv and just imaging what you guys was terrifing.

Amazing job.
<3

[chaeldub]

Thanks.

Yeah, calm as ice water - that's me. Even when the world is burning all I do is blink and say "is that all you got?"