Fire Victim: This Is A Test I Am Going Through, Hopefully I Don’t Fail

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NASSAU, BAHAMAS – At just 30 years old, Lanardo Mackey is now in “reset mode” after a fire destroyed his Pinewood Gardens apartment earlier this week. The blaze broke out while Mackey was at work. He says he never received a call from firefighters, and neighbors had to break into his locked apartment to put out the flames themselves.

LANARDO MACKEY – HOUSE FIRE VICTIM
“I guess this is like a test I’m going through… I just hope I don’t fail.”

When Mackey finally answered his phone, it was his landlord delivering the devastating news. By the time he arrived, the fire had already spread. Neighbors had forced open the window and broken down the door to stop the flames, but it was too late.

Furniture, kitchen appliances, and bathroom fixtures were charred and covered in soot. The bedroom, where the fire started, was gutted, with only ashes left behind. One of the only things to survive the blaze? His passport, safely tucked inside a Bible that remained untouched.

LANARDO MACKEY – HOUSE FIRE VICTIM
“This place just got finished in February. I was the first tenant. She didn’t even really want to rent to a young man, but I proved I was reliable, rent always paid early.”

Less than 24 hours after losing his home, Mackey was hit again, this time financially. He says someone drained nearly all the money from his bank card, leaving just $4 behind.

Still, he’s choosing to stay positive.

LANARDO MACKEY – HOUSE FIRE VICTIM
“If anyone wants to help, they can. Some coworkers, strangers, they already have. My sister and nieces too. I just gotta keep my head up.”