May 31, 2008

Villages resident perishes in fire

By Bill Highlander
Editor

San Jose Fire Department responded within four minutes of the call for assistance. Photos by Bill Bellou

Fire destroyed four condos of an 8-unit building and damaged other homes at The Villages Golf and Country club on Sunday, May 18. The remains of Harold Menagh, 69, a resident of Cribari Vale, was found by firemen.

More than 100 firemen and 25 fire engines responded to the 4-alarm fire, the first residential fire ever in the Villages’ history. Ready for unforeseen circumstances, The Villages Emergency Preparedness Committee (EPC) and other residents promptly assisted the evacuation. The cause of the fire has not been determined.

A memorial for Menagh was held on May 24. He had lived at The Villages for five years.

At least one resident did not have insurance and a disaster fund has been established to help the victims of the fire. Only monetary donations are being accepted. Checks or money orders made out to VMA – Fire Fund can be brought to the Villages Medical Auxiliary in Cribari Center or mailed to VMA Fire Relief Fund, C/o The Villages Golf & Country Club, 5000 Cribari Lane, San Jose, CA 95135.