Glad to see that they all made it out ok. finally something nice on here!!

Why'd they break the window- wouldn't it be easier to just open the window and storm window- then you don't have to worry about getting caught on jagged glass when you're jumpin' (or were they the modern easy-to-clean windows that tilt in so you don't have to use a ladder to clean them outside?)

easier to think clearly when your not the one in a burning house

Things you say have a way of coming back to haunt you matt29, hopefully you won't have to prove your ability to think quick in a house fire!

The house was an old one built back in the early 1900's after the original house from the early 1800's was lost to fire.

I would like to think your question wasn't just another slam on the Domtar Mill employee's, please tell me there isn't two Richard37's( Richard Skinner).

Why didn't she open the window? I imagine she tried, and no probably didn't have time to have new windows installed before her home burned to the ground. Just like I am sure she didn't think to levitate out the window to avoid the nasty fall.

The cold season is not quite over yet. Check your chimneys tonight folks, and give thanks.

Also make sure you have smoke detectors with batteries. They are affordable and prove to save lives even if they tend to go off every time you burn food and make a lot of unpleasant noise.

Thankful all are safe!

Matt29 while I understand what you are saying it is obvious you have never been in a house while it is on fire. I’ve been in several of them when I was a Vol. Firefighter and if I became trapped on the 2nd floor and my only means of egress was a window I'm going to break it, it's that simple and I would do it while wearing complete turnouts and SCBA. I'm not going to bother trying to figure out how to open the window.

These people had no protection and where dealing with extreme heat and toxic smoke. They did the proper thing in breaking the window and getting out quickly.

Thank you for the replies. I just realized that if there was a fire in my apt. this winter, i would be in alot of trouble, because I have a sliding glass window in my room that's above a heater and I get alot of condensation on the glass and in the track in the winter. The window track freezes in the winter and it is impossible to open the window. I have a shovel -will that break double pane glass?

Thank goodness no lives were lost....and once again, friends, family and strangers will pull together to help this family.....cuz that's what we do around here.

Lots of old houses have windows that do not open easily, especially in the winter. Glad all are safe.

It must have been very frightening....it is terrific to hear that they got out without significant injury.....it is nice to read everyone is pulling together to help this family.

No smoke detectors!

I can't keep a smoke detector in my house. After just so many times it goes off while cooking it gets ripped off the celing and smashed to pieces. Guess I should take anger management.

Maybe you should learn how to cook LOL!!!!!!

Good thinking in a dangerous situation. I'm happy there were no injuries. This lady showed real sense of purpose. I saw two people die once because they wouldn't jump out of an 8 foot window. I was 9 at the time and it still haunts me. Good job.

Any one of us could someday be caught in a dire situation and hopefully we would think as clearly as Norma. She

saved her grandson, the family pets and herself.

To gsdman----You need to get a better smoke detector and an exhaust fan over your kitchen stove to use while cooking. We had a smoke detector that did that too. Even steam from the bathroom after taking a shower set it off. We invested in a little better detectors and the problem was solved. Nobody should be without them.They could save your life. Thankfully these people got out without major injuries.

SteveyDee = AKA Chef Emeril...LOL!!

Its good that this story was not all tragedy. The occupants got out safely. Back in 1939 or early 1940 the house I llived in on Stillwater Ave, just beyond the Veazie line in Orono burnt to the ground. Don't say Stillwater Ave does not extend to Orono. Probably an RFD number is the only identification. My point is, its a scary thing to have your house burn.

A smoke detector went off very early in the morning in the stairwell of the apt. building I live in. I was the only person in the building who checked it out. Luckily there was no fire.

once again a neighbor helping a neighbor kudos to the lady letting the family live in her home while she is trying to sell it.... Hopefully they can rebuild and go forward

I keep an easton hammer by my sliding glass doors. Aka metal baseball bat.

My smoke alarm never goes off when i cook... hmm... but smoke underneath it and it does.

Im sorry about my earlier comment,Matt29,call me well have gay sex you sexy man you!!!

Matt, you have someone who likes you. Older houses the windows always swelled and never opened. Windows have come a long way.

This comment is a reply to matt29's comment. If you where in that situation would you really think of opening the window in the few mins that you had to get out? I would have done the same as Mrs.Galligan