When Kathleen and Walter Nazarenko's home was on fire early Sunday morning, it wasn't the sound of smoke detectors that woke the couple.
It was barking from Echo, their English mastiff who's not quite 2 years old.
They also heard a crackling sound. Walter hopped out of bed and quickly discovered the flames that caused it. They were engulfing the north side of the Starr Ridge Road house. He and Kathleen—a retired teacher who has sat through many a lecture advising students to forget belongings and focus on exiting a burning structure—ran out with Echo in tow.
"He's the hero," Kathleen said of the dog. She and her husband sat with the pooch outside the severely damaged house Monday. "He was pretty nervous ... He doesn't quite understand."
Officials believe the fire was linked to a wood-burning stove that was heating the home.
"It was the first time ever on Memorial Day weekend that we would be lighting a fire, because it was so cold," she said. "Actually when my husband put the piece of wood on, he said 'This is the last piece of wood for the season.'"
Firefighters from Brewster and several other departments in the area responded to the 2:35 a.m. blaze. They battled the flames for hours.
"They are to be commended," Kathleen said. "Every one of these firefighters issued personal sorrow for my loss, and they went in and tried to retrieve anything that might be of value. They recognized, because of what they do, what people treasure, so they were able to grab some family photos ... and other things like that."
The Nazarenkos have lived there for 28 years. Despite the fact that they lost "everything"—including Kathleen's grandmother's antique punch bowl, an item that brought her to tears—they plan to rebuild.
Their daughter lives a few houses up the street, and the couple has been staying there. Their young grandson is traumatized, according to Kathleen. He refers to the house as "broken."
The Nazarenkos have seen outpourings of support, including neighbors stopping by and offering to lend a hand. One acquaintance washed the clothes that were salvaged. A group of women are taking turns preparing meals for the couple.
"We're very blessed with family and friends," Kathleen said.
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