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Community called to action in wake of familyÕs fire  Share
A house fire is something no one ever dreams will happen to his or her family. When this unexpected tragedy occurs, the outcome can be devastating. On Friday, January 22, at 8:15 p.m., firefighters responded to a fire at 353 West Adams in Manteno. Manteno Fire Chief Scott OÕBrien said, ÒThe first-in crew saw a car and bikes in the yard. They did a very quick search of the first floor and found heavy fire in the kitchen and upstairs above the kitchen.Ó He added, ÒThe crew did a very aggressive interior attack and had the fire under control within an hour.Ó Renters of the two-story home, Ryan McGahan, his wife, Jamie, and their five sons: Matt, 16; Donny, 13; Zach, 12; Anthony, 10; and Justin, 7; were not at home at the time of the fire. Sadly, their two dogs and cat died. ÒThe interior damage in the kitchen and above the kitchen is extensive,Ó OÕBrien reported. Fire investigation teams found that stove burners were on, causing the fire. It is thought that the dogs attempted to grab food off the stove and turned the burners on in the process. According to McGahan, the familyÕs Great Dane had a history of jumping up to grab food off the stove.
The McGahan family did not have renters insurance, and they lost everything in the fire. But small towns like Manteno come together quickly during times of great hardship. The family is feeling an outpour of love-- from seven-year-old boys sending their own video games, to teachers bringing over cards with money, and teammates reaching out to the McGahan boysÕ with well wishes. The McGahan boys are very involved in sports, including football, baseball, wrestling, and track. Ryan said, ÒThere isnÕt one coach that we havenÕt heard from or we havenÕt received a gift from. We are Manteno Panthers and we always will be. These people are incredible,Ó he declared. Jamie added, ÒI want to say how thankful and grateful we are to everyone; this whole town has been absolutely amazing.Ó The Manteno Fire Department had help from Bradley, Bourbonnais, Peotone, Grant Park, Momence, Limestone, Aroma Park, Beecher, Manhattan, Frankfort, Kankakee Township, Monee, Riverside Ambulance, the Manteno Police Department and the American Red Cross. OÕBrien said, ÒAll crews in different departments worked very well together.Ó The family is staying at the Country Inn and Suites in Manteno. Donations can be made to Ryan and Jamie McGahan through HomeStar Bank. Also, a clothing drive for the family will be held at the Leo Hassett Community Center in Manteno on Friday, January 29, from 6-9 p.m. Items in need are: Mom-med. shirt, size 6 pants, 8 1/2 shoe; Dad-lrg. shirt, 32x32 pants, size 81/2 shoe; Boy-age 16, size 30W-32L jeans, adult med. shirt; Boy-age 13, size 16 jeans, sm. adult shirt; Boy-age 12, size 14 jeans, M-L kids shirt; Boy-age 10, med. shirt, size 12 pants; Boy-age 7, size 7 jeans and shirts. Anita Eason is a reporter for Russell Publications.
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