A Jennings family is recovering after a fire destroyed their home.
It happened Tuesday afternoon in the 800 block of W. Division Street. Investigators say a faulty water heater caused that fire.
The family inside the home narrowly escaped before it was engulfed in flames. The home owner’s daughter, who was inside at the time of the fire, is being hailed a hero for her quick thinking.
"When you’re put in that predicament, you have to act fast," said Chasity Miller.
She had only moments to get her family to safety after realizing her home was on fire. Millers mom, her bedridden dad and their two foster kids were also inside.
"When your adrenaline is pumping, you act on impulse," Miller said. "You do what you have to do."
With her mom and the foster kids safe, Miller rushed to her dad’s room. She lifted him into his wheelchair and covered him with a blanket to protect him from the flames.
"My car was under the carport. Everything was starting to crackle and blow," Miller said. "We had portable oxygen tanks and a standalone oxygen tank. We had to get as far as we could. I had to make sure everyone was safe."
Both Miller and her dad received minor burns.
The family is looking for help to get back on their feet. Scottie Clement is collecting clothes, shoes and toys for the fire victims.
Women’s 3X T-Shirts
Women’s 3X Stretch Pants
14-16 pants
XL-2X Shirts
Men’s Large T-Shirts
3X T-Shirts
Men’s 34X34 Pants
Girl’s 12-14
Boy’s 14-16
Shoes:
Women’s 7
Men’s 10, 10.5
Boy’s 6
Girl’s 5
Toys for both a boy and girl age 11
