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www.insideHALTON.com · OAKVILLE BEAVER Friday, August 24, 2012 · 10 Firefighters praised for saving what they could in home fire Continued from page 1 working smoke alarms are essential in providing families with an early warning and those few extra seconds needed to escape a fire safely. Fire officials have also stated a home filled with smoke, particularly at night, can be very difficult to get out of, especially when disorientation combines with panic from not being able to breathe. Fortunately, the smoke detectors woke Julie and Brian and allowed them to get out of their home before it got to that point -- it is the law in Ontario to have working smoke alarms on every storey of the home and outside all sleeping areas. Paul and Julie said they wanted to express their deep appreciation for the work of the fire department who, even as they fought the fire, removed boxes of family photographs from the house, saving them from destruction. "We're lucky we are all standing here and we're alive, but those are important things," said Julie. e l p i r t T s * u & g e u l b A u n i o D s y ys a a d D li o d H r s/ a d n ys w e a k e d e R We Week * ** ** David Lea / OAKVILLE BEAVER / @halton_photog THANKFUL: Julie and Paul McManus are grateful they installed a smoke detector system during a 2008 renovation. In July, Julie and her son, Brian, survived an early morning fire at their Miller Road home (inset) thanks to the devices. Paul also praised firefighters for saving the family's pet gecko and for keeping the flames from spreading throughout the neighbourhood or to the nearby woods. With the lack of rain this summer, Paul said, the potential existed for the fire to spread much farther than it did. While the official cause has yet to be determined, Paul said the fire department's investigation seems to be pointing to wiring in the ceiling above the kitchen. Paul said the house recently had a raccoon problem and noted it was possible the creatures had eaten some of the wire insulation, a situation that could have contributed to the cause of the fire. A structural engineer began an examination of the home on Aug. 1 to determine whether it could be salvaged or if it needs to be torn down to the foundation. As far as possessions inside the house, Julie said, there is little or nothing that can be saved. "I don't think we're getting anything out of there at all. The only things we have are what we have on our backs, some pictures and a fire safety box that we had some important documents in," she said. "I walked through the house for five minutes with my husband and didn't really want to go much farther." The couple is currently living in a hotel, but they are hoping to move to a furnished house temporarily as they make a longer term plan. What will happen after that depends on whether their house can be rebuilt. Paul and Julie said they are deeply grateful for the overwhelming community support they have received since the fire with friends, neighbours and strangers contacting them and asking what they can do to help. In fact, so much support has been offered, the couple said there is no need to appeal to the community for additional assistance. While the experience has been a frightening and exhausting one for the family, they remain positive about the overall situation. "Everybody is okay and that's the most important thing. Everyone woke up together the next morning," said Paul. "The material things can always be rebought." Visit www.oakville.ca and search `fire safety' for more information. Earn loyalty rewards while enjoying golf at... SAVE UP TO $2700 ON NEW FURNACE & AIR CONDITIONER $700 OFF HI-EFFICIENCY CENTRAL AIR BIGGEST SALE EVER! WAS $ PRICE MATC H GUARANTEE. CALL FOR DETAILS. · Free Installation · 10 Years Factory Warranty 2690 3990 NOW OVER 120,000 SATISFIED $ CUSTOMERS 1990 * PREMIER GOLF FACILITIES FOLLOW US ON TWITTER @KaneffGolfPro some of Southern Ontario's 96% HIGH EFF DC MOTOR A/C OR FURNACE DIAGNOSTIC ONLY $49 $2000 Off Hi-Efficiency DC Motor Gas Furnace (96% EFF) WAS $ NOW $ (905) 455-8700 www.KANEFFGOLF.com · Largest independent dealer in Ontario · Over 120,000 satisfied customers · Family owned business for over 20 years · 9 showroom locations in Ontario WHY AIRE ONE? *See dealer for details 1990 * A+ RATING · 150 licensed technicians · 24 hour emergency service · Registered tssa-wsib-hrac-bbb member · Satisfaction guaranteed THE FORECAST CALLS FOR 9 Locations To Serve You Better! HEATING & COOLING 905-849-4998 www.aireone.com · 1-888-827-2665