After a dangerous weekend in the Oakland Hills due to a fire, residents now have a chance to assess the damage.
As she watched firefighters board up her home, Delane Sims told KPIX it still feels surreal that her home of nearly 30 years has been changed forever.
“This is where we had our Thanksgivings, our special occasions, just all the memories,” Sims said.
Sims’ home was severely damaged in Friday’s fire in the Oakland Hills. She said her husband was home at the time and narrowly escaped with his life.
“When he got up there was just flames and smoke. Then the fire went right into the attic and spread through the house, so he was able to get out in time,” Sims said.
Sims said firefighters arrived on scene within minutes. They were able to contain the fire enough to spare her neighbors.
“It’s almost like our house was a shield. If it had gotten past our house, it would have gone into our neighborhood and we have the most incredible neighborhood group,” Sims said.
She said that community group has been a source of support to her family in the aftermath of the fire.
“I’ve had such an outpouring of support. There’s been hundreds, literally hundreds and hundreds, I can’t even count the people offering their prayers, which is the most important thing, and their support anyway,” Sims said.
She said she has spent her career helping others as the leader of a local nonprofit. And now that she is the one who needs support, it is difficult for her to accept people’s help.
But she said she’s working on it and is absolutely impressed with everyone who has reached out.
“I can’t stop thanking everyone for everything they’ve done to support our family and even our extended 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 begins. Sims said she and her husband plan to rebuild their family home.
She knows it will be a stressful road, but she is so grateful 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.
