A house fire can be dangerous and devasting for its residents, but especially so for brothers David and Lynn.

When David was 18, he was in a car accident that left him paralyzed and barely able to communicate. In 1985, Lynn was left disabled by a fire at his work. Both brothers, now in their fifties, lived together in an apartment next to their family home in Wells, Texas. 

David owned and played several instruments, including a banjo, guitar, harmonica and mandolin and used them as part of his continuing music therapy. 

In February, Lynn visited their mother and stepfather at the neighboring family home, leaving David alone when a fire broke out. The flames got closer, but he could not get out on his own. 

Lynn and their stepfather saw flames coming out of the apartment. As they approached, they felt the heat of the fire and heard explosions. Despite the danger, they went in. They were able to reach David in time and got him out before the flames consumed their apartment.

The fire chief and Wells Fire Department arrived minutes after their mother called 911. The structure and all its contents, including David’s instruments and Lynn’s tractor, Bible, phone and TV, were total losses. 

The fire chief recommended they contact the Red Cross. After a visit from the local Disaster Action Team, David and Lynn received financial assistance to replace items lost in the fire and a list of resources to help them get back on their feet. A Red Cross Case Worker followed up with the family to help with additional needs.

Find a list of resources and information about the Red Cross's response to home fires here. To help families as a Red Cross volunteer, visit www.redcross.org/volunteers.