Neighbor carries woman to safety from fire

By Alicia Rimel

Published: August 21, 2008

STAUNTON — A neighbor carried a Staunton woman to safety Thursday after a fire sparked in her microwave and intensified when she attempted to extinguish the flames with towels.
The 2:45 p.m. blaze caused extensive smoke damage and likely destroyed the kitchen at 929 Trout St., Staunton fire Chief Michale Myers said. A neighbor driving by on his way to pick up a grandchild at a bus stop spotted Hilda Kite and carried her from the home, relatives and neighbors said.
Kite was treated for smoke inhalation at Augusta Medical Center.
“I just thank God for the neighbors,” she said.
Kite was popping popcorn in the microwave when the fire started, her granddaughter Gynndia Kite said. Kite has lost mobility in recent years, her granddaughter said.
Officials said Kite will be unable to return to her home until it has been repaired.
“There was quite an extensive fire in the kitchen area,” Myers said. “The kitchen will need to be replaced and the rest of home will need to be cleaned. The fire was contained to the kitchen, with smoke damage throughout the house.”
Kite plans to stay with her daughter.
The Staunton and Augusta County fire departments responded to the blaze.