By HANA KIM
6 News Reporter
KARNS (WATE) - Ever since Quill Higdon's home burned to the ground, the community has stepped up with donations for his family. On Saturday the Humane Society delivered food and toys to Higdon's dogs. Higdon managed to rescue two of his three dogs from his burning home.
"President of the Humane Society actually happened to see the story on the news and had us contact the family immediately," said Laura Ross of the Humane Society.
"Believe me we are grateful and thankful," said Higdon.
The road to rebuilding is a daunting one. For one, the family did not have insurance. Higdon says it was hard getting coverage because of a narrow path to his home. That's also the reason why fire trucks couldn't get to the house during the fire.
Six News traveled the street leading up to Hidgon's home. It's about a mile long and we could see why fire trucks wouldn't be able to pass. Some parts of the road was about 10 feet wide.
"It will take a tremendous amount of money to repair the road," said Higdon.
It's not just a matter of widening the road, because Higdon says a right of way issue is in litigation and it has been for years.
"We have to come across two people's property to come to our home," said Higdon.
Higdon says he cannot widen the entire stretch of road until he and one of his neighbors, who owns a portion of the road leading up to his home, can iron out the details.
"I hope it softens their hearts some perhaps we can settle our case outside of court we don't have to go through this," said Higdon.
Despite the legal headache and losing everything, Higdon says he is not giving up on his land.
"We bought that place in 1977, took 20 years to build on it then it took 20 minutes to burn down," said Higdon.
Although it may take years, Higdon says he plans to rebuild his home in the meantime he says he is grateful for the community's generosity.
Six News tried to contact the neighbor who is in litigation with the Higdon family. We were not able to reach the owner for comment.
If you would like to donate to the Higdon family you can call friend Melissa Foote at (865) 748-2994. You can also make a donation to the trust fund in the Higdon's name at Home Federal Bank.
A reception is also being held for the family on January 29, in the family life center foyer at Beaver Ridge United Methodist Church from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.
