Family Put Out by Fire Receives Community Support
By: Barb Consiglio
Updated: March 24, 2010
SANDY TOWNSHIP---A Sandy Township family is looking for a new place to live after a fire at their home early Wednesday morning.
Wanda and Don Frantz lived in the home on Hill Street with their 15-year-old son.
Wanda Frantz said her and her son woke to the sound of their next door neighbor pounding on their door just after 2:30 a.m. She said the wake-up call may have saved her and her son's lives, and that her neighbors and community have continued to support her family in their time of need.
"The nighbor pounded on the door. The minute I opened the bedroom door and walked down the hall I could see the flames coming through the other side and through the window, and my son was woken up too by it, and we just got out," Wanda Frantz said.
Don Frantz was at work at the time of the fire, and got a call that his home was on fire, knowing his wife and son were asleep inside.
"I'm very glad that everybody got out safe and nobody was hurt," he said.
Firefighters said flames were coming out of the roof when they arrived, and they didn't know if the occupants were still inside.
"Within minutes we confirmed that thanks to a neighbor who alerted the residents to the fire and then knocked on the door and got them out," said Sandy Township Fire Chief Bob Wilson, "We're thankful for that neighbor, cause if not, circumstances would have been a lot more tragic."
Firefighters were able to salvage a few items from the first floor, but the Frantz family basically lost all their posessions, and they say the're amazed by the outpouring of support they've received.
"We've had a lot of people come up to us we don't even really know and offer us whatever they can," said Wanda Frantz, "Everybody's been very helpful, and the Red Cross has been a great help. It's nice to know that we have nice neighbors and people around this neighborhood."
Dave Olewinski lives a few houses down, and he has opened his door to the Frantz's until they get back on their feet.
"Their mindset's not real good. They're kind of in limbo cause they don't know what they're going to do," Olewinski said, "I know they'll get through it with help from friends."
The Frantz's say their 15-year-old son is handling the tragedy extremely well. In fact, he insisted on going to school today. His parents said he was disappointed about losing his computer, but firefighters said they think they'll be able to salvage it.
