It’s 7:45 a.m. last Friday morning, less than nine hours after seven fire engines, four police vehicles, and hundreds of neighbors and onlookers have left the scene. Homeowner Pete Phillips, head in hand, is assessing the emotional, physical and financial damage of the fire that ravaged his home the night before, where he, his wife Summar and two children live. He says, in a way, that it feels like a funeral, and it’s hard to disagree. The sense of loss is powerful, overwhelming at times, but mitigated by the fact that, because there’s so much to do, you don’t have that much time to think about it.

As the fire burned last Thursday night on Daniel Island’s Hooper St. (just east of Smythe Lake), neighbors began delivering clothes to the Phillips family. As their house burned, Pete and Summar Phillips watched in horror from across the street, where Summar’s mother lives and where they would spend the night. But they needed clothes to sleep. They needed clothes to put on the next morning. They had nothing. No toothbrush. No socks. Just a single pair of shoes – the ones on their feet when an apparent lightning bolt created the third-floor explosion that remains a mystery. As the flames blew open a gaping hole in the roof and smoke engulfed all three floors, firemen rescued the last of their four animals and neighbors and residents gathered – both to watch the firemen work and to offer their assistance.

The Phillips had been in their new house just nine months, but were already veterans of the neighborhood – a new neighborhood where strong social connections had not yet formed. Yet, suddenly, the tragedy brought people out of their homes, and out of their shells. In a matter of hours, a community – of active caring and support – was forming.

Next door neighbors Chris Parsons, Ruth Meloeny and John Ugan had already earned the title of hero, heading back into a burning house that Thursday night with Summar to rescue the four pets. Friends urged them not to enter, but they ignored the warnings and charged ahead – bringing three to safety, the fourth rescued by a fireman some two hours later.

Then on Friday morning, the rescue effort turned to treasures of a different sort – with Summar and Pete walking through three charred floors to decide what to keep, and what to replace with State Farm’s insurance allotment. Summar’s sister Angel was going through every piece of jewelry – a job that the restoration team wouldn’t even touch. Yes, the "real" work was just beginning. They met John Conrad, the State Farms claim adjustor, then started taking digital pictures and video clips of every item in the house. There was so much to do. They began buying clothes, shoes, toiletries, food, and, well, everything. It was more than a touch overwhelming. Part one is the loss, of nearly everything you have; but part two is finding the time, and the energy, to start replacing it. Summar and Pete went about it with uncommon determination, and energy. Everything was gone. In a way, they were starting from scratch.

As Friday dawned, neighbors continued to bring clothing and food, and a formal neighborhood plan was set in place to deliver dinner each night. As Summar and Pete resumed the emotional and tireless task of assessing the damage, family, friends and neighbors continued to step forward to help, in every way possible.

Neighbors Roe, Jeane, Beth, Janie, Amby, Kim, Elizabeth, Chris, Ruth, Vina, Beth, Angie and Lydia – to name a few – extended their hand. Eight year old Sophie went back home to gather clothes, and toys, for the Phillips’ children. And Publix and Laura Alberts donated lunches and dinners (Publix deli manager Joe Romanelli, on the personal side, donated two dress suits, shoes and a brand new pair of sneakers). And in a move reminiscent of old time America, BB&T’s Charley Ledoux actually made a house call – driving to the Phillips’ residence at 4:30 p.m. Friday afternoon to deliver two debit cards so that Summar and Pete could start replacing items lost in the fire.

Now, four days after the lightning-induced spectacle, the Phillips’ home continues to attract attention. Bike riders, dog walkers, runners, and drivers routinely float by in a steady stream of curiosity. People want to see the damage for themselves. Missing windows, plywood-covered doors, an oversized hole in the back side of the roof, and black scarring marks throughout. And the smell of smoke remains strong, a full 96 hours after the fire.

But what curious passersby can’t see is the energy and courage of the Phillips family, or the support and community spirit of neighbors and friends. They’ll get through this – every family member, friend and neighbor will make sure of that – but it won’t be easy.