Help sought for Elgin family after fire destroys home

An investigation continues into the cause of a fire that consumed a nearly century-old rental house in Elgin. - Photo/TRISH YERGES

Bill Howell was renting the 1910 home (four bedrooms and one bath) from property owner Sam Horrell of Sammyville. According to tax records, its market value was $14,040.

On the day of the fire, Howell rose at 5:30 a.m. to let out the dogs, a 4-year-old Cocker named Buddy, a 10-year-old Chihuahua named Boo and a 5-year-old Chiweenie named Shadow. After letting them back in the house, he left for work at Northwood Manufacturing.

“I didn’t even build a fire that morning,” Howell said. “I’ve been running through my mind what could have started the fire, but I can’t think of anything. The computer was on, but I

didn’t use any kitchen appliances. I don’t usually eat breakfast.”

Soon after Howell left for work, a neighbor spotted the flames and reported it. Howell said that he heard his name over the sound system at work and took a phone call from an ambulance driver who told him that his house was totally engulfed in flames.

FAMILY seeks community help after a fire destroys the Bill Howell home on 20th Street in Elgin last Friday. Pictured are, from left, David Roberts (the children's stepfather), Billy Ray Howell, Jeannine Hunt, Jody Dakota Howell, Bill Howell and Cindi Howell. - Photo/Trish Yerges

Howell stood by helplessly watching his house burn. Once the roof had caved in and the living room wall was cut and knocked over, the fire was effectively extinguished.

“They brought Buddy out first,” said Howell. “He was right by the door. I got permission to look for the other two through the back of the house. They found Boo in the living room and brought him to me. Hours later, my daughter, Cindi, found Shadow under a bunch of rubble.

“The firefighters’ wives brought us blankets for us and to wrap our dogs in. They were very, very nice. The dogs were part of my family. Material items can be replaced but memories — can’t ever get those back. I will always have the fear of fire now.”

One of the dogs, Buddy, belonged to Howell’s girlfriend, Jeannine Hunt of Elgin. She had raced over to his home from her 15th Street apartment after receiving a phone call shortly after 6 a.m.

“I was frantic, thinking Bill was in there,” she said. “I wanted to get closer to the house, but the firefighters kept me away. Then Bill showed up from work. I was so relieved.”

Fire Chief Pat McDonald said that he was not present at the fire. Firefighter Kevin Silvernail was the incident commander. No cause has been determined, but the investigation is ongoing. McDonald came onto the property two times on Friday to talk to Howell and take photographs of the charred home.

Jared Rogers of the Red Cross also came to the scene early to offer Howell some help.

“They gave me money for clothes, food and to buy my medications, including insulin for my diabetes,” said Howell.

Hunt and Howell remembered that he had some insulin stored in the refrigerator, and surprisingly this supply was still intact when he pried the door open. The Veterans Administration will aid him in getting all his medications refilled locally, Rogers said.

Howell’s two sons, Billy Ray, 17, and Jody Dakota, 9, stayed with their father in the home every other weekend and attended Elgin schools. They were with their mother, Barbara Roberts of Elgin, at the time of the fire, but they also lost personal possessions.

“Kids at school told me they were really sorry,” said Billy Ray, a senior at Elgin High School.

Classmates are planning a penny war to raise funds for the Howell family. They will need community help to rebuild their lives. As they look for a place to live, some individuals have offered the family used furniture and a washer and dryer. WC Construction will give Howell one month free rent on his storage unit to help out.

“The management at Northwood gave me some shirts, trying to help out,” said Howell. “A lot of people at work were asking what I need.”

A few days after the fire, Howell is still shaken and sleep-deprived. He goes to work and then returns to the ashes of his home to salvage anything he can find of his belongings. The soot has stained the palms of his hands.

His daughter, Cindi, is spearheading some fundraising efforts. She will be placing contribution jars at each store on Eighth Street. She and Hunt are also going to set up an account at the Community Bank for community donations. They also hope to have the community’s help in organizing a feed to raise money for the family.

Anyone wishing to offer help may call Cindi Howell at 541-663-6379.