Liberal residents save woman from fire

Wednesday, November 21, 2007

A Liberal couple's tardiness last weekend put them in position to save a rural woman's life.

The Joplin Globe reported that David and Lynn Smith were 15 minutes late on their trip to Joplin Saturday when they spotted 73-year-old Ruby Flaker in dire need. Flames from a trash fire she had been tending had spread to her clothing -- turning her into what David described as "a walking fireball." He stopped his vehicle, tackled Flaker and rolled her on the ground to put out the flames while Lynn called 911. Flaker was taken to a Springfield, Mo., hospital in serious condition with severe burns to her back, buttocks and thighs but is expected to recover, the Globe said. David returned to his construction job Monday despite minor burns to his hands and fingers and his wife said they are just grateful they were at the right spot at the right time.

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