[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 130 (Thursday, November 16, 2006)]
[Senate]
[Page S11054]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 20TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE REDFIELD FIRE

 Mr. JOHNSON. Mr. President, today I wish to remember the fire 
that devastated the community of Redfield, SD, on November 16, 1986. 
Though there was a tragic loss of life and many families saw their 
property and possessions destroyed, the community was able to come 
together to help each other through those difficult times and to 
ultimately rebuild and thrive.
  The fire began sometime prior to 4:30 that morning and was reported 
by Dawn Waldner. Soon local police and firefighters were on the scene, 
but the blaze proved uncontrollable. It was in the process of consuming 
an apartment building with 31 apartments and many of the downtown 
businesses in Redfield. The fire was so hot that it cracked the windows 
of any building in the vicinity of the flames. The Senior Citizens 
Center, Crawford Furniture, Coast to Coast hardware, Blaine St. Clair's 
business office, American Family Insurance, KQKD Radio, and a TV repair 
shop were among the businesses that were destroyed or damaged.
  The day's greatest loss, however, was the life of young Rebecca 
Nelson, who was just over a year old. She was trapped in the burning 
apartment building, and though people on the scene made heroic efforts 
to save her, they could not discover her in time. Civilian Gene 
Freshour and police sergeant Dave Dosch both risked their lives by 
going into the building without masks to search for the child. 
Firefighters Bob Tiff, Jim Haider, Ron Eimers, and Rich Gruenwald 
formed a search team, also risking their lives, in the attempt to find 
Rebecca. Despite the brave actions of all those involved in the effort, 
she could not be rescued.
  The fire burned so hot that firefighters said they could see the 
water evaporating before it even hit the fire. The tar on the streets 
melted, and ammunition in the hardware store was set off. By the time 
the embers were cold, over a million gallons of water had been used 
putting it out. It wasn't long, though, before the community came 
together to start the hard work of healing and rebuilding.
  With the help of two community development block grants, the city was 
able to purchase much of the damaged property. Over 580 truckloads of 
debris were taken from the area, but new businesses have moved in and 
prospered. The site also is home to a memorial to Rebecca Nelson. There 
will be a memorial service in memory of the events of the day on 
November 16, 2006, at Siegling's Parking Lot, near the Rebecca Nelson 
Memorial. I extend my deepest condolences to those who suffered losses 
in the fire and commend the community for their unity and perseverance 
in rebounding from this disaster.

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