My husband was awakened by the strike and thought it sounded too close for comfort. He watched his alarm clock click over and was reassured when the power remained intact. After a moment or two he heard the smoke detectors going off and could smell the smoke. He woke me and called 911. We rushed to get the dogs outside.

By this time smoke was rolling down the steps from the second story. We assumed the attic had been struck and the fire was upstairs. It was pouring torrents of rain and I remember thinking - how could there be a fire with this much rain. Our firefighters were on the scene shortly after the call to 911. We told them we thought the upstairs was on fire and we had been struck by lightning. By this time, smoke was pouring out the front door so badly that you could barely see the porch.

These firefighters suited up and crawled into our home on their bellies. The ambulances were waiting on the curb for them. They discovered that the fire had started in the basement and had gone up the ductwork and dryer vent. It started in the bowels of the basement and traveled up through the heart of the home. Our firefighters had called AmeriGas and Ameren to shut down the lines. I would have never even thought of that. Oh my God, let's turn off the propane!

They treated my home as if it were their own, taking care of my bric-a-brac and knickknacks. I had a shelf full of silly pug dog figurines and they carefully took them off the shelf and laid them on my bed! They took pictures off the wall before tearing the wall down to get to the fire. Their wives and girlfriends, sons and daughters followed them and set up coffee, water and doughnuts for them.
 
A state trooper came by with a cooler full of soda for them. They set up fans and cleared the smoke. They were here for over four hours, and then returned two more times during the day to check for smoldering. I cannot express how impressed I was with their professionalism and courtesy. These men, and one woman, so my husband tells me, for I did not have the honor to meet her, were absolutely amazing and so courageous.  

I have always respected our first responders, but now my feelings go way beyond that. Here they are risking their lives and health to save my home. May God bless you and your families. You guys are the greatest, true heroes. I will be forever indebted to you.  

With love and admiration and a promise of cookies when I am back in my home,

Jean Boehms.