Story Published: Nov 9, 2009 at 9:12 PM PST
Story Updated: Nov 9, 2009 at 9:54 PM PST
It started just after midnight on Sunday morning. The initial investigation points to a potential electrical problem that sparked a fire which damaged the home at 1023 6th Street, across from the LCSC campus.
"We went downstairs, opened up the door and it was burning," said LCSC student Sean Bell.
Bell is an LCSC student, and one of two upstairs residents of the six-person rental house.
"The fire actually stopped right before my room, so I got lucky," said Bell. "Mine was like the one room that actually didn't (burn)."
But while the items salvaged were few, and the damage extensive, each was able to get out safely, one of the reasons they were able to smile just hours after the fire.
Another reason, the local Red Cross, which is trying to help the group pick up where they left off.
"Our main priority is to get them lodging so they have a place to stay, so they have shelter," said Red Cross Disaster Action Team Captain Ronna Waller.
"I think they're giving us each $130," said Bell. "To help us out with clothes, food, stuff like that."
After their second fire disaster response in seven days, Waller said this is just the beginning of a busy time for them.
"It's starting to pick up this time of year, due to either heaters or Christmas lights or those types of things," said Waller. "We start to get busy."
Damian Kemp, who owns the building and lives next door, said it's overwhelming, but also said he's glad it's just a damaged structure.
"I'm just glad everybody got out," said Kemp. "We have a bunch of tenants, and it could have definitely got a lot worse."
