By Joyce Brock
Southern Sentinel
HICKORY FLAT – For more than 26 years, Bob Colby has risked his life volunteering as a firefighter. Now, he and his loved ones find themselves on the other side of the story.
Their home, located on Beck Springs Road in Hickory Flat, burned Friday night. He and his wife, Lisa Colby, as well as 33-year-old Melissa Brazil and her 4-year-old son Bradyn, were sleeping when the fire started at approximately 11:50 p.m.
“I can now see both sides of the coin,” Bob Colby said. “It feels like it takes forever for the fire department to get there, while you’re standing there watching everything you have in the world go up in smoke, when in reality it probably only took 5-10 minutes because they had to come across town.”
The Hickory Flat Fire Department, where both of the Colbys have volunteered, and Potts Camp Fire Department responded. Unfortunately, the home could not be saved. Damage to the basement is believed to have been limited to smoke and water damage.
A light sleeper, Melissa Brazil was the first to become aware of the fire. She was sleeping in the living room when she heard the air conditioning unit pop, then start back working. She didn’t think too much about it.
Soon, she heard a crackling sound come from a nearby surge protector. She then woke up to smoke filling the room. She grabbed her son and alerted Bob and Lisa Colby, and everyone ran out of the home.
Bob Colby went back into the home to retrieve the keys to their van so it could be moved away from the heat and flames. When he was exiting, the living room windows and door blew out. The impact threw him across the front lawn, where he landed near a tree.
“It scared us to death,” said Melissa Brazil.
He was the only one injured, sustaining a bruised muscle in his back.
The Colbys had a total loss of their personal property. The loss of the home was especially emotional for Lisa Colby, whose family built it in 1964. The only thing saved from the home was their automobile keys.
The family did have insurance, but do not yet know what it will pay. They are staying with Lisa Colby’s sister for now. They have received some assistance from the Red Cross. Members of the community have been forthcoming with help, bringing clothing and other supplies.
“We’re thankful to the Fire Departments, friends, family, and everyone who has helped us. People we haven’t seen in years are showing up and asking, ‘What do you need?’” said Bob Colby, a disabled Vietnam veteran.
The family faces the same needs that most families face in times of loss to fire, plus they have a few medical-related needs. Melissa Brazil has lupus and also requires dialysis three times a week.
Anyone interested in helping the family may contact Bob Colby at 224-4215. A benefit fund should soon be established at a local bank.
joyce.brock@journalinc.com