According to the Ridge Road Fire District’s press release, “On May 2, 2024, at approximately 8:40 AM, the Ridge Road Fire District responded to a Berkshire Drive house fire, with a person on the roof. Units were dispatched promptly and arrived at the scene in less than four minutes, encountering heavy fire conditions upon arrival. Due to the heavy fire, the homeowner had to evacuate from a second story window onto a porch roof. Firefighters worked quickly to extinguish the fire. Unfortunately, a beloved family pet perished due to the intensity of the fire and smoke. The homeowner received care at an area hospital for smoke inhalation. The cause of the fire is currently under investigation by the Monroe County Fire Bureau. The American Red Cross is providing assistance to the homeowners.”
An engaged couple, Joel Bailey and Rachel Serbicki, lived there with their dog, Bax. Chad, Lea and their 4-year-old daughter Stella Benedict live on Berkshire Drive, diagonal from Joel and Rachel’s house. Lea Benedict said, “The morning of the fire we heard sirens. Many times vehicles use Berkshire Drive as a cut through, but when we looked out the window, across the street, we saw Joel and Rachel’s house engulfed in flames. There was so much emotion in the neighborhood, everyone was crying, Stella was struggling with what she saw happening during the fire, she just couldn’t process what was going on.”
Stella was especially close with Rachel. Lea said, “Rachel is Stella’s person, she just loves her. Joel and Rachel walked their dog Bax at least three times a day. Every time Stella saw them outside, she excitedly ran to the door and greeted them. After the fire Stella would ask everyday when Rachel and Joel were coming back home. I explained that they will need to fix their house first, and that takes time and money. She even asked if they could live with us. She was having a hard time sleeping, and was very troubled by the fire, and not seeing Rachel everyday.”
Stella said she wanted to help Rachel and Joel come home faster, and wanted to have a lemonade stand like the one she saw at a garage sale. A lemonade sale was organized and held on May 22nd. Neighbors, friends, family members, and the fire department were all invited. Stella even invited her teachers to come out and support Joel and Rachel in their rebuilding effort, which they did.
The lemonade sale was a success, raising over $500. The neighborhood kids all helped out by spreading the word, and flagging down customers by shaking pom-poms and ringing bells. “It was such an all-American scene. People happy and sharing and making donations to help out a neighbor in need. The kids were bringing their own money for lemonade, and to just make a donation to the cause,” Lea said. “The fire department sent two trucks, eight firemen and one firewoman. They brought fire hats, coloring books and took pictures with the kids. They really helped the kids to process what happened and how important it is to help out neighbors, and to practice fire safety. They really went above and beyond the call of duty. Everyone from the Fire Department was so kind, and generous. We really want to thank them for what they did to save as much as they could of Rachel and Joel’s house, and then come back to help the whole neighborhood recover and heal from a traumatic experience.”
In their statement the Ridge Road Fire District said, “The homeowner was alerted of the fire by their working smoke detectors. This incident reminds us of the importance of working smoke detectors which serve as critical early warning systems in the event of a fire. Residents are encouraged to reach out to the American Red Cross for assistance in obtaining working smoke detectors. For more information on smoke detectors or if you are in need of one, please contact the Red Cross.”
Red Cross website soundthealarm.org/wny
Joel and Rachel stop by their Berkshire neighborhood a couple of times a week to walk, and talk to neighbors. Over Mother’s Day weekend, Mr. and Mrs. Joel and Rachel Bailey were married, they wanted to bring something positive into their lives. They are rebuilding their Berkshire Drive home, and plan to adopt a rescue dog. Joel’s sister started a Go Fund Me page on Facebook to help with their rebuild efforts. For a link to the Go Fund Me page email Lea at leacory35@gmail.com
