By Jennifer Eisenbart
Editor
While most people were likely enjoying the end of a Super Bowl party Sunday evening, a Burlington couple lost their home.
The City of Burlington Fire Department responded to the home of Richard and Jayne Benson on Dunford Drive at about 9:30 p.m. Sunday. According to a press release from the fire department, the couple heard a loud noise from the garage, and found a fire when they investigated.
While the couple and their dog all made it out of the house safely, the fire department estimated close to $300,000 of damage to the home Tuesday. In addition, the home next door suffered about $3,500 in damage due to intense heat and smoke.
The Bensons weren’t alone in the battle, though. While the house burned Sunday evening, another family opened their home to them.
Come Monday, the couple’s church – Grace Church, where Richard is a deacon – had opened their arms to provide housing, transportation and whatever else the couple needed.
“He’s a leader in our church,” said Pastor Scott Carson, who heard about the fire late Sunday evening.
“We are trying to care of every supply,” Carson added.
Jeff Riddle, a member of the church, said everyone was rallying to bring the couple what it needed. Most of Tuesday was spent trying to get the couple necessities – including cell phones, insurance help and basic clothing and sundry items.
“They are doing really good,” Riddle said. “They’re a little overwhelmed at everything that happened, but they’re very resilient, and it’s not about them.”
For example, Riddle said, the couple’s business – The Hair Hut in Paddock Lake – handled some appointments earlier this week.
“They’re still doing everything and taking care of everyone else,” Riddle said.
The couple said Monday that they were overwhelmed at the generosity of the community, and thankful for all the help they had received.
“It’s overwhelming, the love that’s been poured out to us,” said Richard, who added that, “God gets the glory.”
“Grace Church has been incredible,” he added. “I wish I had the words.”
City Fire Chief Perry Howard said in the press release that smoke detectors helped alert the couple to the blaze, and he urged people to check their own homes.
The fire drew firefighters and rescue personnel from the city and town of Burlington, Rochester, Kansasville, Lake Geneva, Lyons, Waterford and Burlington Area Rescue Squad. The blaze was fought as snow died down and winds picked up from Sunday’s storm, which dumped more than 10 inches on the area.
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