3-year-old credited with saving Galatia family from fire

GALATIA - Loretta Swarringin recalled through tears Monday the frightful wake-up she got from her 3-year-old granddaughter Laila Williams as a fire quickly spread in their Galatia home early Friday morning.

"She smelled the smoke, and ran straight for help. She came to me and jumped on my belly and shouted 'Mawmaw, get up. Get out,'" Swarringin said, her voice breaking.

"I said 'What is it?' and she said 'Fire!'" Swarringin said.

The family quickly got out of the mobile home at 221 W. Main St. as the fire spread, destroying the home and their only car.

"She's our hero," Swarringin said.

While Swarringin's family is thankful for their lives, the fire destroyed everything they had. They didn't have renter's insurance on the home, she said, and her auto insurance didn't have coverage for a temporary car rental.

She, Laila, Laila's mom Katie Williams and Katie's friend Kyle currently share a clean but cramped temporary living space.

"We literally lost everything," Swarringin said.

She said the state fire marshal's office is investigating the fire.

A family member posted photos of the fire on social media, and the Red Cross and the Fowler Bonan Foundation have been helping them with temporary housing and clothing, but Swarringin said they still need help.

"Right now, we're basically homeless with a 3-year-old," she said. "We need a home and a car."

Those who would like to help the family may call Swarringin at (618) 499-9165. Laila wears 3-4 T clothing and toddler-size 8 shoes and socks. Swarringin wears medium to large shirts and pants size 8 to 12. She was uncertain about sizes for her daughter.

Meanwhile, though the fire took their material possessions, those are things that can be replaced, Swarringin said. What matters is they all lived, thanks to Laila.

"She's my guardian angel. She's the reason we're all still alive. "