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Flames shoot from the top of the Pettit home, 503 Maple Ave., Falmouth, in the early hours of April 30. Resident Bob Pettit, a retired firefighter and city councilman, said smoke detectors woke him and his wife, saving their lives. Photo by Kelly Braa.
By Carolyn Reid
FALMOUTH — A fire at 503 Maple Ave. last Tuesday morning destroyed the home of Bob and Keri Pettit.
All made it out safely, including their three dogs.
The fire destroyed the upper story of the home and water and smoke damaged the lower story in spite of a quick response by Falmouth Fire Department.
Pettit, a retired firefighter himself and a member of Falmouth City Council, credited the firefighters with “doing their best” under difficult circumstances, and he expressed his thanks privately and also in the council meeting last Thursday night.
The home broke out in flames before dawn Tuesday morning while the Pettits were sleeping.
Pettit, a strong advocate for fire safety, told the Falmouth Outlook, “Working smoke detectors save lives. I’m living proof.”
Smoke detectors woke him and his wife and alerted them and their pets of the fire.
Pettit comes from a firefighting family, and finding himself on the other side of this kind of tragedy has given him insights he never expected to have, especially as he considers his community who has banded together to help, as this community often does.
“We appreciate the outpouring of support and prayers for our family. We thank you.”
At this time, the cause of the fire is still undetermined.