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http://www.omniture.com --> Oregon Road Conditions & Cams Advertisement Email Story to a Friend May 5, 2006 Family escapes housefire By Chris Conrad Mail Tribune CENTRAL POINT — Like the starlings that have nested in his walls for more than 10 years, Bobby Medcalf has to find somewhere else to live. The house at 712 Manzanita Street — which he bought for $13,000 around 37 years ago — has been a good one for the 65-year-old Medcalf. All in all, 12 children were raised there — six of his own and six grandchildren. A Wednesday morning blaze, which destroyed the two-story home's back half, nearly killed two of his grandchildren. The fire sparked at around midnight when some fuel spilled on the back deck ignited, causing nearby propane tanks to explode. Medcalf's 16-year-old grandson, Tony Garcia, did his best to save the house. "He tried to fight the fire, but it blew up in front of him," Medcalf said. He had to run through a wall of flame to re-enter the house to call 9-1-1. He received third-degree burns to one ankle, second-degree burns to the other and scorched both hands for his efforts that night. Once Medcalf and Tony Garcia fled the house, they soon realized 13-year-old Angel Garcia was trapped on the second floor. Angel awoke to explosions and made it to a window to call for help. Jackson County Fire District 3 crews acted quickly, getting the girl safely down a ladder, while a team kept the flames at bay with a hose. "The best thing in the world is seeing your family come out safe from something like that," Medcalf said. Fire crews had the blaze under control by 1:40 a.m. District 3 was aided by a Medford Fire unit. The family has been sifting through the damage for two days. They managed to save a few things, but it's still too soon to know what they're left with. Medcalf said he's gotten calls from people throughout Central Point willing to donate items and help with the clean up. "I appreciate it...I don't care what anyone says, Central Point is a nice place," he said. "But I'm sure there are other people who need help more than me." Reach reporter Chris Conrad at 776-4471, or e-mail [email protected] . Advertisement s Mail Tribune Home | Local News | Sports | Business | Obituaries | Life | Opinion AP News | Archives | Site Map | Community | Classified Copyright © 1997-2006 Mail Tribune, Inc. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy | Terms & Conditions | Website Feedback www.bingo.com Home Security Systems Trunks, Footlocker Custom Build Computers Discount Hotel Reservations online casinos news Ashley Furniture HomeStore Send Flowers Southern Oregon Loans California Casinos GMAT Prep Windermere Van Vleet Sports Equipment Online Casino Reviews Online Bingo Entertainment Guide Online Casino Fundraisers Sudoku Online Casinos Canada Online Pharmacy