Delphi man thankful to be alive

DELPHI, Ind (WLFI) - While many people pause to count their blessings, one Delphi man spent Thanksgiving looking at what's left of his apartment.
 

Jim Griffith spent only 2 nights in his apartment on Washington Street before he went to work on Wednesday morning. Later that day he looked across the street to see his home in the Kerlin building on fire.

"I happen to notice, what looked like flames and some smoke," said Griffith. "I told my sister it looks like George's building is on fire."

Griffith said he went inside the burning building to check to see if anyone was inside.

"I hollered and when I opened the door, flames came out. I knew I couldn't make it that way. I went back out, went around to the back entrance. I tried to go up it was too smoky. I came back out, I went into my apartment downstairs underneath, got my dog and got out," said Griffith.  

Griffith's Dog Mayday was unharmed by the smoke. He said by the time he got the animal out the fire department had arrived and took aim at the apartments and the Office Tavern.

"They were evacuating the people out of there and from there it was just a total loss," said Griffith. "The community is pretty much distraught. A lot of people went in there for lunch every day, that's probably one the best hamburgers you ever ate in your life. It's got a lot of history."

Griffith said he's grateful to be alive. He's thankful no body got hurt and his companion is by his side.

"As terrible as it is, I don't feel as bad as a lot of people because, I know how fortunate I am to be in this community," said Griffith.

Griffith said the community came to his aid immediately. It started with the American Red Cross, who provided him with a cot, blanket, pillows and care kit.

"They are trying to help me find another place to go stay," said Griffith. "Several people stopped by and told me if I need anything call. It's a wonderful community. Delphi is a good place to be from. There's a lot of nice people here." said Griffith.

Griffith said his family provided a holiday meal and the "Guy" upstairs will take care of the rest.
 

No word yet on what caused the fire that destroyed the building in downtown Delphi.