October 1, 2024
By: Andy Martinez, volunteer writer
 

In the quiet hours of February 7, 2024, tragedy struck Dewayne Burch's neighborhood in New Orleans. A sudden explosion, the kind that shakes a community to its core, heralded the onset of a devastating house fire. Amidst the chaos and the billowing smoke, lives were forever altered.

Dewayne vividly remembers the harrowing night when flames threatened everything he held dear. 

"What happened on that night, is that my neighbor's apartment caught on fire," he recounts. "Four families almost lost their lives that night, including me and my fiancé."

In the midst of fear and uncertainty, Dewayne's resilience shined through. His initial concerns, beyond the immediate safety of his beloved pet, were rooted in the harsh reality of displacement and survival. However, within this dark hour emerged a beacon of hope in the form of the American Red Cross Disaster Action Team (DAT).

"My concerns were where am I going to live next, what am I going to eat that night, where am I going to lay my head, and my fiancé and everyone else that was involved," he reflects.

The swift response of the fire department provided immediate safety from the flames, and the arrival of the Red Cross responders brought even more comfort to the families.

"They immediately confirmed who they were and what they were there to do and accomplish," Dewayne said. Susan Mitchell and Thomas Butler, New Orleans-based DAT responders, exemplified compassion and efficiency in the face of adversity. "They made sure I had money in my pocket for me and my family so that we could get anything we needed to survive during the time I was looking for another apartment," Dewayne gratefully added.

With a sense of purpose and dedication, Susan emphasized, "We want them to know that someone cares, and the Red Cross is there to help them get started on their recovery.” Susan continued, “We also let them know that the caseworker will be reaching out to them within 24 to 72 hours to continue to provide additional help. We always let them know that we will be praying for them and their family and to reach out to the Red Cross whenever they need to."

The impact of the Red Cross's assistance on Dewayne's recovery process was profound. 

"The money was the most important part for me because it gave me the chance to be able to shower and stay clean,” he explained. “It provided me with enough assistance that I didn't hurt at all for anything."

Amidst the turmoil, the Red Cross' support ensured that Dewayne could focus on rebuilding his life. What stood out most to Dewayne was the speed and thoroughness of the Red Cross' response.

"The one thing that really stood out to me about Susan and Thomas is the amount of time it took them to get there and to explain everything and leave from the scene," he emphasized. In moments of crisis, every second counts, and the Red Cross' swift action made a world of difference.

In reflecting on his journey from devastation to hope, Dewayne acknowledges the guiding power of faith.

"I am very lucky, and so is everyone else who did not die because the house has gas; it's not all electric. The house could have exploded at any moment, but it didn't," he remarked with appreciation.

Dewayne's story is not just about survival, but also about resilience, community, and the transformative power of compassion. Through the dedication of volunteers like Susan and Thomas, the Red Cross continues to be a beacon of hope for individuals and families facing the darkest of times. In the face of adversity, hope persists.

Dewayne's journey serves as an example of how, through empathy and unity, we can rise from the ashes and emerge stronger and more resilient than before.

To help Dewayne and others who have tragically lost everything to a home fire, donate here. To request a home fire safety visit, including a free smoke alarm installation, and learn more about the American Red Cross’ initiative to #EndHomeFires, visit SoundTheAlarm.org/Louisiana.