Oakland Hills resident looks to rebuild after fire severely damages home
After a dangerous weekend in the Oakland Hills due to a fire, residents are now getting a chance to take stock of the damage.
Watching fire crews board up her house, Delane Sims told KPIX it still feels surreal that her home of close to 30 years has been forever changed.
"This is where we had our Thanksgivings, our special occasions, just all of the memories," said Sims.
Sims' home was severely damaged during the Friday fire in the Oakland Hills. She said her husband was home at the time and barely escaped with his life.
"When he got up there was just flames and smoke. Then, the fire went straight up into the attic and started spreading across the house. So, he got out in time," said Sims.
Sims said the fire crews got to the area within minutes. They were able to contain the fire enough to spare her neighbors.
"It's almost like our house was a shield. You know, if it had gotten past our house, it would have went up our neighborhood and we have the most incredible neighborhood group," said Sims.
She said, in the aftermath of the fire, that neighborhood group has been a rock for her family.
"I have had such an outpouring of support. There has been hundreds, literally hundreds and hundreds, I can't even count the people who are lending their prayers which are the most important thing, and their support in anyway," said Sims.
She said she has spent her career helping others as the leader of a local nonprofit. And now that she is the one in need of support, it's been difficult for her to accept people's help.
But she said she's working on it and has been absolutely blown away by everyone who has reached out.
"I can't stop thanking everyone for everything that they have done to support our family and even our family, I know my family loves me, but you know when they show up and do all these incredible things," said Sims.
Now, the road to recovery is beginning Sims said she and her husband plan to rebuild their family home.
She knows it'll be a stressful road ahead, but she's just so thankful to have the community and her family by her side.
"This is our home and we want to be able to create great memories here again," said Sims.