This is what I got for Christmas--

[Cmonster]

A house fire. No joke.

I get home yesterday from a dive and it's freezing in the house. My dad is pushing 70 and there's no way he's not gonna have the heat on this time of year. Immediately, I know something's up. He's in the kitchen, cooking away and I ask why the heat isn't on. He tells me it's not working, and that it just keeps making a clicking noise.

I go over to the thermostat and the heat is on, but there's no heat. I don't hear a clicking noise, but I shut it off and start to head across the house to the garage door, when I smell it. Something's burning-- I open the garage door and I'm immediately overwhelmed by smoke. I look to my left, where the heating and AC unit is, and can see flames. I yell for my dad to call 911 and open the garage door (to the outside). The smoke gets sucked out when I open the door, now I can clearly see that the furnace (or whatever you call the heating unit) is on fire. I grab the fire extinguisher and put most of it out, but the ducts going into the wall adjacent to the unit, as well as the wall itself, are also on fire..

Fire department gets there, douses the entire garage for good measure, and has a look around. We see this all the time, blah, blah, blah-- The unit is old and not built to code, blah, blah, blah-- All news to me.

Anyway, it's Christmas day, we have no heat, the garage is completely trashed, it stinks really bad in the entire house AND God only knows the extent of not only the damage, but all the insurance crap and these "building code violations"-- To top it all of, my vacation to Mexico is now cancelled as I have to deal with all this starting tomorrow.

Merry ****ing Christmas. I hope you had a better one than me.

SC

[Mikey]

That sucks Sandy but at least everyone is ok.

If anything you can look at it as a Christmas miracle.

[jimsmegos]

Aw damn dude. I hate to hear that. But like Mikey said, at least everyone is okay. Still sucks horribly. Wasn't it about this same time last year you guys had a problem with the flooding?

[kennermike]

A house fire. No joke.

I get home yesterday from a dive and it's freezing in the house. My dad is pushing 70 and there's no way he's not gonna have the heat on this time of year. Immediately, I know something's up. He's in the kitchen, cooking away and I ask why the heat isn't on. He tells me it's not working, and that it just keeps making a clicking noise.

I go over to the thermostat and the heat is on, but there's no heat. I don't hear a clicking noise, but I shut it off and start to head across the house to the garage door, when I smell it. Something's burning-- I open the garage door and I'm immediately overwhelmed by smoke. I look to my left, where the heating and AC unit is, and can see flames. I yell for my dad to call 911 and open the garage door (to the outside). The smoke gets sucked out when I open the door, now I can clearly see that the furnace (or whatever you call the heating unit) is on fire. I grab the fire extinguisher and put most of it out, but the ducts going into the wall adjacent to the unit, as well as the wall itself, are also on fire..

Fire department gets there, douses the entire garage for good measure, and has a look around. We see this all the time, blah, blah, blah-- The unit is old and not built to code, blah, blah, blah-- All news to me.

Anyway, it's Christmas day, we have no heat, the garage is completely trashed, it stinks really bad in the entire house AND God only knows the extent of not only the damage, but all the insurance crap and these "building code violations"-- To top it all of, my vacation to Mexico is now cancelled as I have to deal with all this starting tomorrow.

Merry ****ing Christmas. I hope you had a better one than me.

SC

Sandy thats Horrible but at least everyone is ok Bro!

[4NDR01D]

All considering, doesn't sound that bad. Glad you and you father are safe.

[piecemaker]

That sucks Sandy,its a good thing you came home when you did or it might have been alot worse.

[megoapesnut]

You can't catch a break. Between the flooding and the fire, it's time to find a new house!

[Figuremod73]

That sucks Sandy,its a good thing you came home when you did or it might have been alot worse.

Exactly. It could have been a whole lot worse.

[GlobalObserver]

Sorry to learn of your misfortune, but try to look at the bright side. You're young and healthy with a long life ahead of you, filled with adventures.

Plenty of others aren't nearly as fortunate.

[4NDR01D]

Fire chief says Conn. home where 5 died in a Christmas morning fire has been torn down - The Washington Post (http://www.washingtonpost.com/national/advertising-execs-3-children-parents-die-in-fire-at-conn-home-on-christmas-morning/2011/12/26/gIQAfIaKIP_story.html)

TV chef critical after family killed in fire - ABC News (Australian Broadcasting Corporation) (http://www.abc.net.au/news/2011-12-26/mother-children-killed-in-house-fire/3747180)

Ames Tribune News (http://www.amestrib.com/articles/2011/12/26/ames_tribune/news/doc4ef8a633d95d4170800673.txt)

BBC News - West Belfast family left homeless by Christmas day fire (http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/mobile/uk-northern-ireland-16333520)

[Hector]

If there's any consolation...we don't have central heating...just some cheap portable heaters that suck electricity like no one's business...lol.

But...yeah...what a bummer, man...but like people are saying here...there was no harm to you or your dad...gotta be thankful for that.

Hope insurance kicks in fast...and replaces everything...perhaps even with a new central heating system.

Damn...your Mexican vacation cancelled?

Now that is indeed friggin' F'd-up, Sandy...

:wall:

[mego73]

Sorry to hear about all this Sandy but glad you and your dad are alright.

[batmanmc]

I Hope 2012 Starts Off Better And Stays Better Then This Year Ended. I Am Also Hoping The Insurance Is Settled Quickly And In Your Favor. Mike

[torgospizza]

I'm really sorry to hear that, man. That's horrible, but I'm glad you guys are okay.

[spidey68]

Wow dude sorry to hear about this,glad no one was hurt,and wish you all the best in the new year

[Nostalgiabuff]

wow sandy, sorry to hear that. at least it sounds like it is contained to the garage. with no heat on, your insurance should provide for hotel stay and meals until the heat is able to be restored. they will probably offer to send a cleanign company out as well to get any smoke/soot cleaned up in the house

and as Mikey said, no one was hurt. that is the important thing. everything else can be fixed or repalced, a person cannot.

[emeraldknight47]

Sorry to hear about your Christmas misfortune, Sandy, but I will echo the thoughts of everyone else on these boards; thank the Lord that neither you or you father were hurt and the fire never made it to the house (thanks to your quick thinking). Yeah, it'll be a real pain in the arse over the next couple of weeks dealing with the insurance company and inspectors and the like, but far easier than dealing with what COULD have happened had the fire reached your house or hurt you or your Dad. As for your trip to Mexico---sorry to hear that you have to miss that, but I'm pretty sure Mexico will still be there waiting for you when you get the chance to go again! Peace out and keep the faith, brother!!!

[johnmiic]

Sandy, it could'a been worse. You still have a house. Your father didn't die from smoke inhilation, (he shoulda investigated when the heat didn't come up). You could've come home and found your father dead and house consumed by flames.

As far as the heater not being up to code; when did you buy the house? Who sold it to you? I would think that should have been inspected when you were considering buying it and the previous owner should have told you what you were getting. Maybe they are liable for selling a bum heater to you w/the house. I would consult a lawyer.

[toys2cool]

Dam dude that sucks, at least your dad is ok, imagine if you would'nt have been there ;)

[captact]

Sorry to hear this amigo, understand what youre going through, same happened to us,..at least you and your dad are ok and still have the house, but we lost it completely, by the time the firemen arrived...the house was burned to the ground and we lost everything, even the car got burned on one side, melted tires, etc...and was also Christmas time,...but at least my family was safe and got out in time....so thank God youre ok and you still have the house my friend....so Happy Holidays to you and all here in the group!!!!

[MegoMark71]

As someone who knows all to well how devastating a house fire can be i am glad you and your dad are safe. It could have been so much worse. I know it all is so overwhelming right now but when you can finally step back and decompress a bit you will feel better.

[jessica]

Sandy, I am sorry to hear this. On the positive note, you still have your dad and you saved the house. And you are healthy.

[Cmonster]

You can't catch a break.
No, Scott-- I can't. :no: It's been a really rough past couple of days, not only with the fire, but other things as well. All in, 2011 was not the best year for me, but it is what it is. Like many have said, I'm young, healthy and there are many adventures that lie ahead for me, both personally and professionally in the new year, so here's to hoping that 2012 is a better year for the sandman...

SC

[Toyman_Chris]

Without a doubt i imagine the last thing u wamna here is how it coulda been better. I know everyone is trying to lift your spirits, but sometimes life seems to have a menu of **** sandwiches. They seem to be on special in your neck of the woods. Just sucks man. I feel for ya. When life gives you lemmons, remember it's all in the wrist to get the kinda velocity to give you that loud "thunk" when it hits someone in the head. It's all in the wrist......

Wish ya the best Sandy.

[sprytel]

Sorry to hear that. That stinks. Hang in there.

[Bill]

So what was the final ruling on that fish?

[livnxxxl]

Sandy, I really do regret to hear of the unfortunate news. :sad: There is never a good time for something like that to happen. I am just glad that you and your Father are both safe. :cool_y: That is the most important factor. Any material items can be replaced. May your 2012 be much better. :yes:

[PNGwynne]

Sorry to hear about all this Sandy but glad you and your dad are alright.

My thought, as well. How terrible:ugh_y:.

[kennermike]

any updates Sandy?

[Cmonster]

any updates Sandy?
Investigator from the fire department is here today. Based on his findings, we'll see what's covered by my insurance and what isn't. Funny thing is, there's actually more water damage than there is damage from the fire itself. The furnace is obviously toast, but a lot of stuff in the surrounding area, that wasn't even anywhere near catching fire, got doused with water.

Worst casualty so far; Two boxes of Famous Monsters and Heavy Metal magazines.

SC

[Bill]

I just finished up a ductwork job for an antique store that caught fire during the summer. The firemen blew out the back wall with the fire hose, they don't take any chances.

[UnderdogDJLSW]

Sandy, sorry to hear of what happened and my thoughts are with you for getting through this and any other downers from 2011. Here's hoping that 2012 is just the tonic you need.

[Cmonster]

Here's a good one; Fire restoration contractors-- They specialize in rebuilding and cleaning up after fire and water damage. The quotes I've gotten from these people are so ridiculously astronomical, that all I can do is laugh.

This is a word for word quote from the estimate I got from one guy, after I told him that we just wanted the drywall and shelving replaced in the affected area, which is about 1/4 of a 3 car garage;

"Mr. Collora, everything in your entire garage whether you can see it or not, is smoke damaged. It all needs to be properly cleaned or replaced. You and your father will need to make an item by item inventory of absolutely everything in that garage, including the vehicles and decide whether you would like them cleaned or replaced. This all must be submitted to me as well Allstate as soon as possible."

Crazy.

SC

[emeraldknight47]

Here's a good one; Fire restoration contractors-- They specialize in rebuilding and cleaning up after fire and water damage. The quotes I've gotten from these people are so ridiculously astronomical, that all I can do is laugh.

This is a word for word quote from the estimate I got from one guy, after I told him that we just wanted the drywall and shelving replaced in the affected area, which is about 1/4 of a 3 car garage;

"Mr. Collora, everything in your entire garage whether you can see it or not, is smoke damaged. It all needs to be properly cleaned or replaced. You and your father will need to make an item by item inventory of absolutely everything in that garage, including the vehicles and decide whether you would like them cleaned or replaced. This all must be submitted to me as well Allstate as soon as possible."

Crazy.

SC

The joys of dealing with insurance companies! Major PITA!!!!! You have my sympathies, SandMan! I had to deal with mine over some storm damage a few years back and it was like the Spanish Inquisition!!! They're all to happy to TAKE your money, but they HATE having to pay anything back...!

[Brue]

I assume that's not what you asked Santa for.
It is a terrible thing and even though everyone is right in saying it could have been worse (and they are right), it still sucks.

[Mego Superboy Prime]

I hear yah. The day after Christmas I was typing an article that I've been working on for 4 straight days and I put about 22 hours into it. After 5 hours from the morning until 7:00 PM I clicked the redo button to fix a paragraph and the whole thing erased!! It was just a glitch and it was forever lost. I threw away all my notes and references and will NEVER be able to rewrite it and I won't!!! I was and still am devastated. I highly doubt I will ever get over it...

[Bill]

Call an AC guy and ask what'd it take to repair the system, check with a rental place for an ozone generator, replace the drywall yourself. Screw the headaches of dealing with disaster resto guys and insurance, your deductible is more than what it'll cost to do it yourself as long as there's nothing major wrong.
Have they suggested that the water damage has caused mold spores yet?
Do it yourself.

[Hector]

Here's a good one; Fire restoration contractors-- They specialize in rebuilding and cleaning up after fire and water damage. The quotes I've gotten from these people are so ridiculously astronomical, that all I can do is laugh.

This is a word for word quote from the estimate I got from one guy, after I told him that we just wanted the drywall and shelving replaced in the affected area, which is about 1/4 of a 3 car garage;

"Mr. Collora, everything in your entire garage whether you can see it or not, is smoke damaged. It all needs to be properly cleaned or replaced. You and your father will need to make an item by item inventory of absolutely everything in that garage, including the vehicles and decide whether you would like them cleaned or replaced. This all must be submitted to me as well Allstate as soon as possible."

Crazy.

SC

Screw them...get yourself an experienced out of work day laborer with carpentry and drywall skills from a Home Depot parking lot (or street corners throughout LA)...he'll fix that garage for a fraction of the price...and I'm not being a smartass here. Many, believe it or not, are NOT illegal, they are just going through some tough times, especially during this cold weathered season. I'm sorry...but I have dealt with these contractors, and most of them are crooks...I'm speaking from experience.

[Cmonster]

Screw them...get yourself an experienced out of work day laborer with carpentry and drywall skills from a Home Depot parking lot (or street corners throughout LA)...he'll fix that garage for a fraction of the price...and I'm not being a smartass here. Many, believe it or not, are NOT illegal, they are just going through some tough times, especially during this cold weathered season. I'm sorry...but I have dealt with these contractors, and most of them are crooks...I'm speaking from experience.
Dude,

Believe me, I'm with you. I'm probably just gonna have some friends over, cook up some lobsters and have a drywall, shelf building party...

SC

[Hector]

Good man...and good move...

:yes: :smiley13: