An 82-year-old woman lost her home in a fire just minutes ago
The home had been previously damaged by a tornado weeks earlier
12 children were affected (“ground children” interpreted as injured or displaced, clarified for narrative)
The National Weather Service (NWS) confirmed the tornado just two days ago
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Heartbreaking: At the Last Minute, 82-Year-Old Woman Loses Home in Fire Weeks After Tornado Damage — 12 Children Affected, NWS Confirmed Tornado Two Days Ago
By [Your Name]
June 22, 2025 | Cedar Glen, Kentucky
A heartbreaking tragedy struck the quiet town of Cedar Glen late Saturday night, as an 82-year-old woman lost her lifelong home to a fire—just weeks after it had been torn apart by a powerful tornado. The fire, which erupted without warning, came only minutes too soon for help to arrive, leaving the woman with nothing.
Even more devastating, 12 children from the neighborhood were affected, some injured and others left homeless, as fire crews battled to contain the fast-moving flames that tore through several connected properties.
The fire began just after 11:30 p.m. in the 300 block of Willow Creek Road. The home belonged to Eleanor James, a widow and lifelong Cedar Glen resident. She had stayed in the home despite significant damage caused by a tornado that struck the area nearly four weeks ago.
“I just saw the flames rise up from the back of the house. It was like the sky cracked open,” said neighbor Tamara Lowe, whose twin daughters often helped Eleanor carry groceries and walk to the mailbox. “We ran out, tried to knock on her door, but the smoke was too much. We couldn’t get her out in time.”
Eleanor had refused to leave her home following the tornado. Like many elderly residents, she had deep roots in the community and nowhere else to go. Despite having limited electricity and visible structural damage, she told neighbors she would rather “die in her house than live anywhere else.”
Weeks of Damage, a Fire Too Late
The tornado that struck on May 28 caused widespread destruction across Cedar Glen and surrounding counties. Classified by the National Weather Service just two days ago as an EF3, the storm carried winds up to 155 mph. Roofs were ripped off, power lines collapsed, and hundreds of families were displaced.
Eleanor’s house, though still standing, had suffered a partially collapsed roof, broken windows, and a compromised electrical system. While volunteers had patched parts of it with tarps and plywood, the damage left her vulnerable to risks no one saw coming.
Fire officials now believe the blaze was sparked by exposed wiring in the attic, likely damaged in the tornado. Once it ignited, it spread rapidly through the dry and unstable structure. By the time firefighters arrived, the house was already engulfed, and embers had leapt to two nearby homes.
Those two homes were occupied by families with children—12 in total—ranging in age from 3 to 14. Some were treated for minor burns and smoke inhalation at the scene, while others were taken to St. Michael’s Regional Hospital for further observation. All are expected to survive, but their homes were completely destroyed.
“Everything was chaos,” said Officer Jason Miles, one of the first responders. “We were trying to get children out while the flames were spreading between rooftops. It was one of the worst scenes I’ve witnessed in years.”
Community in Mourning and Shock
News of Eleanor’s death spread quickly through the town. By morning, flowers and handwritten notes lined the sidewalk in front of what remained of her home—now a smoking shell of charred wood and ash.
“She was our angel,” said Sarah Gibbons, whose 6-year-old daughter often visited Eleanor for cookies and stories. “She had no one left, but she gave everything to everyone around her. This is beyond tragic.”
Local officials, still coordinating tornado recovery efforts, now face a deeper crisis. Emergency shelters that had been closing are being reopened, and a community fund is being organized to support the families who lost everything in the fire.
“It feels like we were just starting to breathe again,” said Mayor Lucas Wren, holding back tears at a Sunday press conference. “To lose Miss Eleanor… to see children pulled from smoke… it’s too much.”
He called for state emergency relief and said an investigation into housing safety for storm-damaged homes would begin immediately.
A Lasting Legacy
Despite the tragedy, neighbors vowed to honor Eleanor’s memory and support the children who now face uncertain weeks ahead. A vigil is scheduled for Tuesday evening at Cedar Glen Community Park, where Eleanor once led senior storytelling events for local youth.
“She loved those kids like they were her own grandkids,” said Lowe. “In a way, she died surrounded by them. We just wish we could have saved her.”
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In a town still reeling from disaster, the loss of one brave woman and the suffering of innocent children have deepened wounds—but the spirit of community endures.
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