Fire Update

Thank you for all your e-mails and comments. I feel blessed to have a whole community full of support,
 thank you!
Please forgive me for not getting back to anyone at this point. 

During our annual block party, I was informed something was “stinky” in the bathroom. (our home is somewhat of the community bathroom during events) I placed a brand new candle in a glass jar and put it in the middle of the shower, thought it was safe. It ended up catching the plastic handle (3 feet above the candle) on fire which then spread. We didn’t hear the alarms as the music was on but I smelled the smoke. I ran inside, saw the bathroom engulfed in flames, yelled for help, grabbed the hose, and began to put the fire out. We are so fortunate the door was closed and the vent was on. The fire department said that was the only reason the fire didn’t spread to the rest of the house. Our fire alarms are also connected to our fire department so they were here within minutes and arrived while I was putting the fire out.

The fire dept checked all the walls in the house for heat and everything checked out OK

As I lay awake trying to sleep I realize What I am thankful for:
It was not a child that walked in on the fire

I was the one that brought the candle out, no one but me has to deal with the guilt
It’s just a bathroom
No one was hurt

I think I have been so busy cleaning the small layer of ash that ever so lightly lay all over the house that I’m not sure that it all set in until today. I wake up and clean till  I can’t clean anymore.  We have had people in and out of the house all day taking pictures, writing up claims, giving suggestions, and re-testing walls.
This is just a tiny bathroom, I can’t imagine what people go through when their whole house is destroyed, my heart is heavy for them. I realize we are so incredibly blessed to have a house still standing! 
You know the part that worries me the most right now?
We have lived in this house for 10 years, paid our homeowners insurance on time in one lump sum every year, never had a claim, yet we are worried we will be dropped, we have heard the nightmares, I subscribe to consumers reports, I’ve read the articles, yes I’m scared!
This is when I wish my dad was still alive, he worked in insurance for over 40 years, he would have told us exactly what to do.
I miss him.
Please forgive any grammar errors or misspellings. Just a girl putting it all out there for you, please don’t judge.
Update:  The homeowner’s insurance paid for everything but our deductible and raised our monthly bill by $500.00

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61 Comments

  1. Kristin ~
    I am just reading about your fire! I am so sorry!
    That is scary!!!
    We had a flood claim from a broken pipe and had to redo all the floors in our house along with a few other things ~
    Our insurance didn't cancel us and it was almost a year ago so I think we are safe ~
    It is a pain to deal with though ~

    xoxo
    Lori

  2. Before I was married, the townhouse I was living in was struck by lightning and burned to the ground. One afternoon thunderstorm and I lost everything I owned except my car and the clothes on my back. My insurance company covered all of my losses. Don't worry too much, everything may be just fine.

    Hugs,
    Susan and Bentley

  3. i am still just so glad you are all ok, and in the grand scheme of things, thank goodness it was just a bathroom and not the whole house. thank goodness!!!!

  4. i am still just so glad you are all ok, and in the grand scheme of things, thank goodness it was just a bathroom and not the whole house. thank goodness!!!!

  5. Kristin this is the first time I'm hearing about your fire. I am so sorry, praying that everything goes smoothly for you! Martina

  6. Oh Kristin! I'm so sorry I missed this. My heart was racing as I read your post. Thanking God with you that everyone was unharmed and that it was contained to one room. I am sure your head is just spinning right now. We had severe storm damage to our roof a few years back and our insurance was not dropped. I am sure that you will be fine, even if it is a pain to wade through all of the paperwork and details. Please let us know if there is anything we can do for you. Praying for a sense of peace for you all as you process this.

    Much love,
    Heather

  7. Thank goodness it wasn't worse! Hope it all ends up well for you, but the most important thing, obviously, is that you're all safe and so is you home!

  8. How scary! We all burn those candles all of the time so this could happen to many. I am so glad you are all ok but my heart goes out to you that you have to go through all of this! My insurance has threatened to drop me in the past and my list of claims since then has been long and expensive, and no dropping! Prayers for all of you!

    ~Shanon

    PS If I lived close I would come right and over and help you clean! I can't wait to see the redo on your bathroom!

  9. I am so sorry this happened but so thankful it was only your bathroom. I have heard of too many homes in blogland burning down this year. It is tragic. It is why I wake up every morning and thank God for what I have that day. We never know what tomorrow brings. But no good comes from worrying, just wait, and believe. It will all be okay.

  10. I'm just getting around to reading my favorite blogs and now finding out about the fire. I'm so sorry that you are going through this terrible ordeal, and I pray that it all gets taken care of quickly.

  11. Kristin, I am so sorry! What a scary thing to have happen. Thank God you are all safe! I'm thinking of you.

    Take care,
    Pam

  12. Oh Kristin, this is the first I am hearing of this news and am so sorry. Thank God it was contained and no one was hurt. It's a huge pain in the butt to get it all fixed but I'm so glad you and your family and friends were all safe and sound!

  13. So much to be thankful for! Thank you for sharing the details, and I hope you'll be able to get a good night's sleep.

  14. Kristen, so sorry to hear about the fire and such a scary thing to have to go through. But remember that no one was hurt and material things can easily be replaced. What wonderful family and friends you have.
    Marianne 🙂

  15. I'm so happy you and your family are ok! I know it doesn't seem like it in the midst of this, but everything always has a way of working out- most times for the better. You will certainly be in my thoughts and prayers!

  16. Kristin, just popping
    my head in to say how
    happy I am that it wasn't
    much, much worse. There
    are things and there are
    things that truly matter
    and I know you know that!
    Wonderful that your friends
    and family are rallying
    around you. Sending prayers
    and hugs as you sort it
    all out!
    xx Suzanne

  17. Kristin, I'm so sorry for what you are going through. But I'm encouraged by the thankfulness in your post. And what a blessing that no one was hurt! Your last paragraph got me. My dad passed away in November and there many times when I think "I wish my dad was here, he'd know what to do" I understand that…
    My prayers go out to you all as you recover
    Lori

  18. I'm so sorry for what you went through and you and your family will be in my prayers. Be thankful that no one was hurt and be sure that you'll come out stronger from this experience. Your friends, family, neighbors and all your blogland friends are there to support you, encourage you and lend a hand in whatever way might be needed.
    Take it easy, comfort your kids and lay your troubles and worries in He who knows it all.

  19. Think positive! I'm sure everything will work out just fine. Hope you get a chance to take a deep breath and relax a little soon.

  20. I read your blog all the time but rarely post. Today I feel lead to post because when my youngest daughter was 3 weeks old we had a fire in our back yard that surrounded our home. The fear was all incompassing and rattled me for a long time. It really makes you realize how little stuff matters. It is the people that matter. Everything was okay in our home and I am so glad you are okay!! If your insurance group drops you which they shouldn't try to get USAA if you can. They are great. Blessings!

  21. Hello,

    I am so sorry that you have to go through this….it looks like you have a great support system. IT's wonderful to have such great family and friends.
    Take care and all will be fine soon enough.
    Claudia

  22. Bless your heart..no judgement here, just glad everyone is ok!! Things will all work out in the end!

  23. Hi Kristen, I've got tears in my eyes. Thank god it was the bathroom. Probably the least flammable room in ny house! You poor things. I used to lov candles on in the house but never have them lit since having children. I only use them out on my BBQ table now. Too scared of the house burning own – I get easily distracted these days and would go to bed with them lit or something!!!
    Good luck with the clean up. Ash is a bitch… Imagine how those chileans are coping!
    And I'm glad none of your goregous furniture burned.
    Cheers Fiona
    http://Www.lilyfieldlife.blogspot.com

  24. So sorry your having to deal with this, thank goodness that no one was hurt. Hope that the insurance is sorted out soon and you can get on with putting the bathroom back to normal.

  25. Hi Kristen,
    Thank goodness you are all ok and no-one was hurt. What a scary thing to go through. I burn candles all the time and have left the house a few times and forgotten to blow them out, I'm so used to them. It just goes to show how quickly and easily fire can break out. There is no blame here so don't be hard on yourself. Accidents happen all the time. I'm sure you won't have any problems with your insurance company as the fire department were involved and so many witnesses. Remember to claim for everything that was in the bathroom and all the cleaning products etc that you used in the rest of your house. Some neighbours of mine left their TV in their bedroom on standby and went out and it caused a smoke fire. The fire service spent ages there and they ended up having every single thing in the house replaced by the insurance compnay – even their furniture downstairs and all their clothes.
    I hope you're not too stressed and the reno goes smoothly for you.
    Thinking of you,
    ~Sam x

  26. Dear Kristin, my heart goes out to you….to all of you of course but to you the most…..please try not to feel guilty….you're only human…..don't know about insurance in the US…but what I do know is that all WILL end up right…..I'm sure…..everyone is alive and well…..hold on to that!!

    XX

    Lynda

  27. So sorry to hear this, but thank God everyone is fine. I worked for an insurance company for years and really, you shouldn't be dropped. So don't worry, you have enough on your mind. Take care.

  28. Kristin I am so happy that nobody was hurt!
    I admire your positive outlook and wish I was there to lend a helping hand!
    Take care and don't worry about the insurance!

  29. Wow! It's awesome that you are reflecting on what went so right in the midst of what went so wrong. That's a really good way to look at it.

    My brother-in-law and his family recently lost their entire home to a fire. Nobody was in the house when it happened. That's the only reason they are still alive; the fire spread lightning fast and they would not have made it out. We are thankful beyond measure.

  30. I'm so sorry I missed this, I would have commented sooner! Thank goodness everyone of you are okay, like you said it's only a bathroom and a child wasn't hurt. The insurance will come thur and myself I can't see them dropping you because of this one incident!

  31. When we had to do our kitchen last fall because of a burst pipe, they were actually really nice. We had never made a claim either but we had no problems. I will tell you I don't know who you have, but if they offer for you to go with their contractors, don't do it… contract it yourself. Every one who has used them has said it's not top quality work.

  32. Dawg-gone that is sooo scary!!…Bless your heart!
    I think that's one of the reasons Mr frown's on open flame candles round here.
    Glad yall are ok!
    ~JO
    LazyonLoblolly

  33. WOW! I must to have missed your previous post, but praise the Lord no one was hurt and that it was just a bathroom! Keeping your family (and any potential insurance issues) in my prayers!!!

  34. Come to me all who are weary and I will give you rest -Matthew 11:28 Give it to Him. Yes – it's a blessing that you were the one who found the fire. So glad no one was hurt. Do not feel guilty – accidents happen every day.

  35. Kristin, like others, I agree, your insurance company will stand behind you. We've had our bathroom and ceilings redone more than once (more than twice actually) due to leaks, our roof replaced to due hail damage, and had our home hit by lighting (roofing, contents, etc)…each time they were wonderful!!

  36. Kristin so so sorry!
    I am so glad everybody is OK!
    I'm so glad the house didn't burn down!!
    What a freak accident!

  37. Dear Kristin,

    I just read your post and my heart and prayers go out to you and your family. You work so hard and give so much of yourself to your home, to your family and to us.

    Your blog is not only inspiration and beauty, it is a little mini vacation when I am at work.

    Today, however, your blog is a wake-up call. I am certain that many of your followers have left candles burning while in another room or, yes, while outside. I have!!!

    You thought it was safe in the shower. Why wouldn't it be?

    Kristin, people have accidents every day. This is still so new to you…it just happened!!

    Let the dust settle, sort of speak. You are feeling a guilt that is not necessary.

    You are worried that your insurance company will cancel you. I was afraid of the same thing 20 years ago when a ceiling fan caught fire in the attic wiring. In fact, we had several home claims with State Farm and they were always fair.

    Of course I cannot guarantee that your insurance company will not drop you, however I would certainly put up a fuss about it. And, you have a voice here…you need to let us know.

    My dad passed away suddenly from a heart attack in 1993. He did everything right and was gone at 67 years old.

    My dad was from a country town in west Texas. He grew up on a farm. I don't think Dad even finished high school, however he was the smartest man I have ever known. I could count on Dad for anything, for the best advice.

    I miss my dad, too…everyday.

    Ah, Kristin…your post ended with an apology…certainly no need…It IS your blog 🙂

    Hugs,
    Jan

  38. Kristin, it's so like you to remember all of the things you are thankful for during such a time. 🙂 I am so sorry about all of this. I pray that you will always have home insurance coverage, that you will not get dropped by yours and that your bathroom will look amazing once it is all done and you can put it behind you.

    I laughed when you said it was your child that made the 'smell'. Again, I'm just glad nobody was hurt.

    xo

  39. Kristin, we don't care about grammar, we just care that you all are safe and sound and no one was hurt!

  40. Kristin I am so glad no one was hurt and the fire was contained to the bathroom. So glad you found it!! when you did Kathysue

  41. I'm sorry you are dealing with all this. What a pain. On the brighter side, everyone is safe and sound. Hang in there.

  42. Your family is safe and I think your Dad was watching over all of you. Accidents happen and we can't be everywhere or predict everything. Take care of yourself.

  43. I’m glad to hear you are all safe! As you know it could have been much worse, so rather be sad be happy.

    Hang in there pretty soon it will all be over and you will have a new beautiful bathroom and it will all be history.

    Heather

  44. So glad you are all safe…so sorry for how scary this must ne for you and your family…..Big hugs to you all from here…xo, Mariaelena

  45. oh my gosh! I'm so sorry to hear about this – I'm so glad that you didn't lose everything but what an ordeal to have to go through. My heart goes out to you – big hugs xo

  46. So sorry to hear about this happening, but happy to hear you are all okay. I'm trusting all the next steps will fall into place…Janell

  47. So, so sorry this happened. It is still your house even if it's just one room, so we totally understand your worries. You do seem to be taking it well though. I hope the next weeks or months go quickly as you work to rebuild the bathroom.

    I too wouldn't worry about the insurance. I know it's a big pain, as my family has been working with our insurance to fix a damaged roof and a broken window from the spring hail storms. Things happen in life, so I'm sure you will still have insurance when this is over.

    As you said, it could have been so much worse, so I'm glad everyone is okay!

  48. So sorry to hear this happened in your beautiful home. Just thankful you and your family are ok. God bless you BIG.

  49. Thank goodness you are all okay. I know you must be nervous about insurance. We are in FL and it is hard to get insurance here due to hurricanes. Our house was struck by lightning two summers ago. It put three holes in the roof. By the grace of God, the bolt hit metal on the studs and the lightning exited the roof in two spots. This helped prevent a major fire. Only a small smoldering spot that the fire dept handled immediately. We lost power, phones, cable, alarm system and need a large section of our roof replaced plus many electronics in the home. It was a major claim. I thought for sure we would be dropped. They paid the claim and we continue to have the same provider. I don't know if act of God makes a difference but I am hoping you will have the same luck. Fingers crossed. You don't need the stress. xoxo

  50. oh Kristin..my heart goes out to you and your family. How scary and thankful..just a mess of emotion I am sure.
    No judgement here for sharing your heart girl:) Praying all goes smooth and there be no dropping of insurance. I understand shutting the door and pretending it all away. Bless your heart. I wish I could give you a big hug. I'm thankful you have so many around that are helping. I know that is a blessing for you. Hang in there. You've got an army around you:)
    xo

  51. Kristin, I'm just reading this now. Hugs. And more hugs. We had a water damage claim, and I was so worried about insurance too. It all worked out. They didn't drop us and they covered everything. Praying it all works out for you.
    xo,
    Shannon

  52. Been thinking of you all week. I'm glad you are able to find the good in the midst of the bad. I will say a special prayer that your insurance will all work out and not be the headache that you are worried about. I hope this week brings you many wonderful blessings.

  53. Oh dear!!! I'm happy that nobody got hurted and hope that everything will be sorted out very soon.
    A big hug!
    Mara

  54. Kristin – I was so sorry to hear about your fire. I know what you're going through – we had a fire in our home 10 years ago that just burned the living room but left smoke damage throughout the house. We had to be out for 8 months. I wouldn't worry about your insurance – they should be happy you're doing all the cleaning up yourself. After so much time, I can look back and be thankful that no one was hurt (including our dog who was in the house at the time) and, despite the inconvenience, you will have a lovely bathroom when it's all said and done. Buy some flameless candles and use them instead when you want candlelight in your home. No worries there.

    Bless you and your family and keep us posted on the bath. Take care.

  55. Oh, Kristin! I'm so sorry! I am just now reading this and my heart is breaking for you. I can't imagine how overwhelmed you feel right now, but you are right to count your blessings. I will be praying that your life will get back to "normal" soon.
    Hugs,
    Angela

  56. Just now catching up on blogs and so sorry to hear this! Grateful that everyone is safe though. I hope it all works out well for you with the insurance company.

  57. I just came over to your blog to catch up…and I noticed that I had obviously missed a post when you told us about a house fire.

    Kristin…I am so sorry…my heart swelled with sadness that your family experienced this and at the same time I was also overwhelmed with gratefulness that it wasn't worse and that no one was hurt.

    We lost a home about 5 years ago to a sewage explosion…long story short….the city workers were cleaning out the sewage lines in our neighborhood and something went wrong which caused a sewage explosion in our home…destroyed it.

    We were displaced for 5 months…which was very uncomfortable for me. You could definitely say that it turned me inside out. We were very scared about the insurance company….I came across a bible verse that totally allowed God's peace to wash over me during that season.
    Exodus 14:14….you need only to be still, God will fight your battles for you.

    He did!! He worked out all the details and more importantly, he did a whole lot of soul work in my heart…..

    I'm praying for you, Kristin, as you go through this…when things like this happen it can shake us to our core bc we realize how fast things can change in our lives.

    I'm glad to hear that you guys are okay!!!!! Praying for you all….

  58. Oh Kristin… I'm sorry I'm just now seeing this. I can only imagine how scary this has been for you. I'm so glad that your family is safe. Please don't feel guilty. We have all done things that could have accidentally ended in disaster. A couple of summers ago, I put a votive candle on my outdoor (wood) dining table during a party. A friend put a bag of Tostitos too close to it, and the table went up in flames. Luckily, it was outside and we were able to put it out before it spread to the house. I'll be praying that everything goes smoothly for you with the insurance. Hang in there! Sending hugs your way 🙂

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