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Couple Escapes Flames, Finds Hope in Support
29 Jun
Summary
- Elderly couple escaped their burning Florida home after hearing crackling sounds.
- Husband rescued his wife, who uses a walker, from the fiery house.
- Community fundraisers and a GoFundMe support the couple after house fire.
An elderly couple, Mike and Lang Ebright, both 78, narrowly escaped a devastating house fire in Ellenton, Florida, on Saturday, June 13. Mike, a retired veteran, woke to the sounds of his home burning and quickly assessed the danger. The primary exit was engulfed in flames, causing Mike to sustain minor facial burns as he helped his wife, who is recovering from a broken hip and uses a walker, down the stairs to safety.
Firefighters from the North River Fire District responded and extinguished the blaze, but the home was severely damaged. Among the few items salvaged were a burial flag and a portrait of a fallen Marine. The community has since rallied to support Mike and Lang, with various fundraising events and a GoFundMe campaign organized to assist them in rebuilding their lives after the loss of personal belongings, including Lang's sewing machine which she uses for income.
The Red Cross has provided temporary housing and emergency assistance to the couple. The outpouring of community support has been described as phenomenal, offering a beacon of hope as they face the daunting task of recovery, taking things one day at a time.
