As a weeknight news anchor and reporter for Dakota News Now in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, Brian Allen reports on home fire stories often, but never expected to experience one of his own.
On June 3, 2020, in the midst of the pandemic which had already brought uncertainty to so many, Brian and Anne Allen’s lives turned upside down when they lost the place they and their children called home.
Like many home fires, it started in the kitchen.
The Allen’s were lucky, their home had working smoke alarms and the fire was reported quickly to 911.
“Thankfully nobody was injured and although this was a traumatic event, it was not a tragic one. Even our dog and pet bunny made it out to safety,” said Anne.
The fast-burning fire was hot and intense – evidenced by a ceiling fan in the living room that melted off its base or the melted hair on her daughter’s American Girl doll.
“It was a crispy, burned-out shell of what was our everything,” grieved Brian.
The upper level of their home had so much smoke damage that the sheetrock had to be replaced down to the studs. “It’s incredible how much damage can happen in a short time with a fire that is ultimately small,” said Anne. There was no structural damage, but the smoke damage was extensive – “it’s mind-blowing how smoke can even enter drawers.”
The man in the red vest
After the fire trucks and insurance adjuster left, the Allen’s sat in their garage contemplating what to do next. They remember an older gentleman in a red vest slowly walking down their driveway towards them – it was a volunteer from the American Red Cross.
“We were surprised the Red Cross showed up – we didn’t realize they responded to home fires,” said Brian. “He couldn’t have been nicer, more compassionate, more understanding – he gave us some supplies and cash cards to help with our immediate needs as well as help pay for a hotel for a few nights. He even brought stuffed animals for our kids.”
Anne vividly remembers his reassuring, calm voice. “He told us that things would get better. I can’t express how meaningful that moment was,” she recalls. “He was there to help us in our darkest hour. He was a godsend!”
As they recalled the day, Brian remembers saying to his wife that “he didn’t know how they were going to repay the Red Cross, but someday they would.”
Although their house was temporarily unlivable and they had to relocate for about five months, the Allen’s were thankful their family was safe, and they had a place to go. “We just lost stuff – it doesn’t compare to the alternative. We were super lucky and we’re grateful it wasn’t worse.”
Turning compassion into action
“You never think it will happen to you and then it does,” Brian said. “Now, when I’m driving to and from work and I see a home fire my heart just breaks, I know exactly what that feels like – it’s just devastating!”
Brian is now turning his compassion into action by serving on the Red Cross Eastern South Dakota board of directors. “I’m fortunate that I’m in a position to be able to help build awareness and inform the people of eastern South Dakota what the Red Cross is doing to help when disasters strike – “I want to thread the message of kindness and let them know what the Red Cross is doing for our community.”
The Allen’s hope people can learn from their misfortune. “We were those people – we didn’t have a plan,” said Anne. “We don’t like to relive our story, but if it can help anyone or encourage families to have conversations about what to do if they have a fire that would make us happy.”
Home fires are considered one of the most frequent disasters in the U.S. For example, in the Minnesota and Dakotas region last year, our disaster action team, 90% of who are volunteers, responded to more than 1,000 home fires that affected more than 4,000 people. The Red Cross offers people the immediate financial support they require to purchase things like food, shelter, and other essential recovery items, and provides emotional support.
After a home fire, Red Cross volunteers work with local fire departments to connect with families for needs like emergency lodging, food, financial assistance, and emotional support.
DONATE: Thanks to donations, Red Cross services are free and available for all those in need. Visit redcross.org to support our lifesaving work.
VOLUNTEER: The need is constant to help families affected by home fires and other disasters. Visit redcross.org/givetime to become a volunteer.
HOME FIRE SAFETY: Home fires claim seven lives a day in the U.S. but working smoke alarms can cut the risk of death by half. Llearn more about home fire safety and preparedness.
American Red Cross Minnesota and Dakotas Region 