Woman Doesn't Blame Firefighters for Letting House Burn

The Tennessee woman whose house fire sparked a national controversy says she's not holding a grudge against the firefighters who stood by as her home burned to the ground. "You can't blame them if they have to do what the boss says to do," said Paulette Cranick—whose family forgot to pay a $75 annual protection fee. "I've had firemen call and apologize." Cranick, 67, says she's just glad nobody was hurt in the fire.

The family has received offers of help but Cranick says aid isn't needed. "We have insurance and are happy everyone is alive," she tells AP. Cranick's son hasn't been quite as forgiving, the New York Daily News notes. He was arrested for aggravated assault the day of the fire after going to the local fire station and punching out the fire chief. He may feel like punching Glenn Beck as well, who mocked the family's Southern accents while explaining why he believes the firefighters were right to stand by. Click here for that story.
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