Neighbor saves man in wheelchair from burning backhouse

CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. (WSMV) - Fire crews from two stations in Clarksville responded to a house fire that nearly killed a disabled man early Wednesday morning.

According to Clarksville Fire Rescue, the call for the fire came in just after midnight on Wednesday. A backhouse on Davis Drive was covered in flames and heavy smoke.

60-year-old Charles Harris says his life flashed before his eyes early Wednesday morning. He found himself surrounded by flames shortly after a cigar caught his house on fire.

“Every morning when I wake up, I thank God for another day,” Harris said.

When he tried to escape the blaze, his wheelchair got stuck in the doorway.

Anthony Hinderliter happened to be sitting outside in his car playing guitar and saw the smoke.  Hinderliter says he felt uneasy before hearing Harris’s cry for help.

“I just knew it was weirdly gray and dark, but the next time I looked up you could just see it billowing out there,” Hinderliter said Harris was hidden behind thick smoke with flames shooting above his head.

“I just... I didn’t think I just ran. It’s really hard to explain,” Hinderliter said. “Either he was getting out of there or neither of us were getting out of there.”

Harris lost almost everything in the fire. All he has is $5, a box containing some of his sentimental belongings, and his life.

“It’s not as bad as it seems because right now it seems pretty bad, but it’s going to be okay,” Harris said.

Harris says as he works to rebuild his life. Hinderliter made a GoFundMe to help buy things Harris needs

Harris says if anyone would like to donate essentials, you can reach him at: (931) 217-0666

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