Local
Clarksville officers pull grandmother from bedroom window as fire consumes home
Paula Bamford escaped a burning Clarksville home after her 11-year-old granddaughter called 911 and two police officers pulled her through a bedroom window. The family lost the house, and Bamford’s daughter has started a fundraiser for basic necessities.
A Clarksville grandmother says she had only seconds to escape a burning home before police officers pulled her through a bedroom window as flames spread inside.
Paula Bamford woke to thick, dark smoke and first searched for her 11-year-old granddaughter, Macy Ray. Ray had already gotten outside, grabbed Bamford’s phone and called 911.
Bamford said she ran back to her bedroom and tried unsuccessfully to break a window. Clarksville police officers Christopher Bush and Hunter Mead arrived and found her trapped there. They broke the glass and helped her out.
“I said, ‘I’m not going to make it,’” Bamford recalled. One officer told her they had to act immediately, she said. Bamford jumped toward the officers, who pulled her to safety.
The Clarksville Police Department is recognizing Bush and Mead for the rescue. Bamford suffered burns to her face, fingers and arms and was affected by smoke inhalation. She said she is recovering.
Clarksville Fire and Rescue firefighters also rescued the family’s bearded dragon, which belongs to Bamford’s grandson. The home was destroyed, and the family lost its belongings. Bamford’s daughter has launched a GoFundMe to help replace clothing, shoes and other essentials.
“Everybody got out. That’s all that matters,” Bamford said. The cause of the fire was not reported.