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SPRING HILL, Tenn. (WKRN) — A Spring Hill, Tennessee, family is receiving an outpouring of support from neighbors and businesses after a fire destroyed their home in the middle of the night last month.
Brandon and Ashley, along with their two young children, were inside the home when the fire broke out around 4 a.m. in late August. At first, three of them made it out safely, but Brandon and Ashley couldn’t find their son. That is when Brandon went back inside the burning home to rescue the child.
Even though all four made it out alive, the Spring Hill Fire Department told Nexstar’s WKRN back in August that, in addition to Brandon’s critical injuries from heat exposure and thermal burns, the whole family suffered smoke inhalation.
Brandon and his son had burns, though the boy has since been released from the hospital, according to a neighbor. However, Brandon remains in the ICU.
“It’s just such a tragic situation,” neighbor Kristi Van Drunen said. “Lives are definitely the most important part of all of this, and thankfully, Brandon’s taking steps in the right direction, but he’s got a long road ahead of him.”
Neighbors said the community quickly stepped in to meet immediate needs, from clothing and shoes to temporary housing. So far, thousands of dollars have been raised for the family. Now, local restaurants are pledging fundraising events to help with medical and living expenses.
“Our community has come together in a really special way. Seeing everyone just want to help them in any way that they can,” Van Drunen said. “Immediate needs were met by complete strangers.”
Brittney Howe, another neighbor, said her children have grown up with Ashley and Brandon’s kids. She has been there for the family since the moment sirens and lights were outside of their house on Aug. 25.
“We have Texas Roadhouse, who has reached out to other restaurants and [is] providing for the family, that is in a hotel right now, so they can get their meals and whatnot…It’s amazing and it’s beautiful to see,” she said.
Ashley has been by her husband’s side in the hospital. She told WKRN that her family is deeply grateful for the thoughts, prayers, and support from the community as they focus on their recovery.
For more information on how to help the family, visit their GoFundMe page.
SHFD said the blaze began outside the home on a back deck and quickly spread inside. Officials announced on Aug. 25 that the cause of the fire was undetermined but still under investigation.