Just a few hours after Ramona Bravo had finished her holiday shopping, and had stocked the refrigerator with a Thanksgiving turkey and a ham, her entire house burned to its foundation.
Bravo explained that at 3 a.m. on Sunday, there was a pounding on the wall by one of her roommates yelling “Fire-fire, get out, get out.”
Ramona Bravo surveys the scene where a fire destroyed her home early Sunday morning. (Rich Linton/SWRNN)
“My husband and I got up immediately and noticed that one entire wall of the house was in flames,” she said.
Bravo grabbed the phone and dialed 911, but the connection was cut-off quickly because the fire had burned through the phone line.
“It seemed like about 15 minutes before the fire department arrived,” Bravo said.
According to the Riverside County Fire website, the 21660 Perry Street fire was contained at 3:39 a.m., with 21-firefighters having responded to the scene.
Because the fire displaced the adults and Bravo’s 15-year-old daughter, the American Red Cross was dispatched for assistance.
Client Services Supervisor, Nancy Hatzidakis, explained in general what the non-profit agency is able to provide.
“We immediately provide shelter for three nights, as well as clothing, shoes and medicines for the clients (victims),” she said.
Due to confidentiality restrictions, Hatzidakis was not able to state what specifically was provided for Ramona Bravo and her family.
Bravo did disclose during a face-to-face interview that a small amount of money was provided by the Red Cross.
The property had been rented by the Bravo’s for the last year, and with her husband currently not working, they are staying temporarily with a local friend.
Clutching a burned photograph that was found in the fire-ruin, Bravo was asked what was next for her and her family. She quietly said, “I have no idea.”
Contact Rich Linton at metroreporter@swrnn.com
Editor’s Note: The reporters and staff at SWRNN appreciate your correspondence regarding this story. Many of you have inquired about how you could assist the victims of this fire-tragedy. The victims specifically did not wish to have a phone number released for contact. The only means of communication available at this time, is by mail at the address listed in the story.
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how can we help her