A tender moment was captured Tuesday morning as a woman comforted her elderly neighbor who had just lost her home in a massive fire.
NewsChannel 5 reporter Matthew Torres took this photo shortly after the victim’s west Nashville home was destroyed. Her neighbor can be seen offering her a blanket, as well as a hug.
Neighbor gives resident a blanket after fire destroys Fleetwood Drive home. @NC5 pic.twitter.com/qBLtst55LC
— Matthew Torres (@NC5_MTorres) February 23, 2016
"It's sad we meet for the first time under these circumstances," another neighbor said.
The fire broke out around 5 a.m. at the dead end of Fleetwood Drive, not far from Charlotte Pike.
VIDEO: Flames keep raging on. Two people on the side wrapped with blankets. @NC5 pic.twitter.com/aB0Uzg2LO6
— Matthew Torres (@NC5_MTorres) February 23, 2016
Dozens of firefighters, including five engines and one truck company, were called to the scene.
Sky 5 flew over the area and showed heavy flames and smoke pouring from the home. Witnesses reported seeing the blaze as far away as Briley Parkway.
Neighbors told NewsChannel 5 they heard loud popping noises before the blaze started.
One of the residents said he's lived in the home with his aunt for the past year. She had been living there since 1991.
Because the home is located near the dead end of Fleetwood Drive, traffic was not directly affected.
Workers with the American Red Cross have been called in to assist the residents.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
