BELLEFONTAINE NEIGHBORS, Mo. – There was no calm before the storms Friday as powerful winds fueled devastating fires in the City of Bellefontaine Neighbors.
Several homes were destroyed from fires, and residents are left picking up the pieces.
One day later, some neighborhoods look unrecognizable. Many family homes are now completely destroyed.
Jack Reynolds, one homeowner, had just paid off his house and was preparing for retirement. He is now trying to sell his antique collection in hopes of raising money to relocate.
Reynolds says he was resting after work when he smelled smoke. As he rushed outside, he tripped, breaking his toe and skinning his knees, only to see flames jumping from house to house. He grabbed his garden hose, desperately trying to save his home.
“The firemen were down there and then they passed my house and went to put the yard out,” said Reynolds. “And I’m standing here with a hose, yelling at them, ‘Please help me!’ Then, the rafters went off and I lost everything.”
Reynolds says he’s spent 20 years collecting antiques. Now, it’s all gone, including his grandmother’s first home.
The exact cause of the fires’ rapid spread remains unclear. Wind likely played a factor. Some residents say it started from someone burning leaves, while others suspect embers from a barbecue were carried by fast winds.
“It’s nobody’s fault. It was the wind,” said Reynolds. “Whoever started the barbecue over there. You know, who barbecues in a 60 mph wind? You know, common sense! For real, he could’ve killed some people,” said Reynolds.
The Salvation Army stepped in to provide water and snacks to those affected. Many homes suffered melted siding, while others were completely destroyed. Some, however, remained untouched. Some residents believe asbestos siding played a role in protecting homes.
Those in need of shelter have been directed to the North County Recreation Center, where assistance is available.
“They have it set up at North County Rec Center, where they can get vouchers for places to stay,” said Carla Hudson, City of Bellefontaine Neighbor’s Human Relations Commission.
Hudson, who also lives nearby, says the winds were powerful even in areas untouched by fire.
“Trash dumpsters and everything in my subdivision all went flying down the street and these are trash dumpsters that had trash in them. So, in my cul-de-sac, we all got together and helped each other,” said Hudson.
For witnesses, the scene was overwhelming.
“I saw a lot of flames. A lot of red, blue and white. Everything was flamed up. It was hot. It was a lot of fire trucks everywhere. Kids were out. It was traumatic, for real,” said witness Brian Peoples.
We are still awaiting a response from fire officials. St. Louis County Councilwoman Sholanda Webb has announced an emergency shelter at the North County Recreation Complex on Redman Road.
The office of emergency management urges anyone needing assistance with tree removal, tarping, or debris cleanup to call 1(844)=965-1386 for free volunteer assistance.
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by PostX News and is published from a syndicated feed.)
