North Alabama’s WHNT 19 reported that one neighbor’s good deed possibly saved the life of a woman last Friday morning. Perry Gooch was at home on Pine Street in the Center Star community of Alabama. Gooch, a long-time resident of the area, heard what he described as several small explosions at his elderly neighbor’s home. He saw her standing in front of her fiery home, unable to make herself move. That is when he leapt into action, moving her out of the way.
Gooch rushed to her side and helped her get to the north side of the house, just in time. Moments later, a powerful explosion blew out the windows and blasted the front door off its hinges. Debris from the blast even struck a nearby tree. According to Gooch, the house was filled with combustible materials, including cardboard, propane, and multiple oxygen tanks, which may have contributed to the intensity of the fire and the explosions he heard.
The woman’s son was also inside but managed to make it to safety. Although the home was destroyed, both residents survived thanks in part to Gooch’s quick thinking and bravery.
Center Star, Elgin, and Killen Volunteer Fire Departments worked together to extinguish the blaze. By Monday, the home was surrounded by fire tape, its windows shattered and oxygen tanks scattered in the yard—a stark reminder of how dangerous the situation had been.
The Florence Fire Department is currently investigating the cause of the fire.
Despite the loss, Gooch expressed gratitude that his neighbors were safe.
“I hate it for them. They lost their home, and that was my home growing up, but both of them are still alive,” he said.
Sherri Blevins is a writer for Mountain Valley News and a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You may contact her at [email protected].
