HEREFORD, Arizona (KGUN) — It’s been over a week since the Williams fire in Cochise County burned more than 1,300 acres.

The Fry Fire District told KGUN9 it believed it all started with illegal burnings by residents.

“This used to be a barn,” said Hereford resident Liz Roy.

“There is nothing recoverable here,” she added.

Mark and Liz Roy’s home was rescued from the Williams fire. However, they lost many of their belongings inside the barn and it burned down.

“The fire went right up to our house. The strange thing about fire is that it has its own ideas about where it burns,” Roy said.

When the fire broke out last week, Mark and Liz quickly ran to their neighbors’ homes to make sure they were evacuated.

“About 20 minutes later, I woke up to Liz and her husband banging on my bedroom window,” said Katherine McDonnell.

As soon as I left, the flames and smoke grew.

“The sky has gotten quite dark and the temperature has changed,” McDonnell said.

“I’m really grateful to all the first responders who were heading into danger as I was trying to escape,” McDonnell said. “Thank you to all of them.”

One of the responders running into the flames was Captain Jared Harros of the Fly Fire District.

“I feel a little helpless with homes I can’t save, but with homes I can save I will give all my attention and start attacking high threat, imminent and dangerous areas as soon as possible,” said Captain Halos.

About five buildings burned down, including the house of Roy and McDonnell’s neighbors right next door.

“While we are truly grateful for the protection, we also want to make sure we extend that care and attention to those in our community who may not be going through the same experience as me,” McDonnell said.

No one was hurt, but McDonnell and Roy said some neighbors lost animals in the fire.

They stressed the importance of taking fire alarms seriously and having an efficient evacuation plan.

Neighbors said they were grateful to be standing here today.

“I am so grateful, and I am so grateful for this community. No matter what community you live in, get to know your neighbors and really get involved in the community so that you can help each other during these difficult times. How important it is to participate.” McDonnell.