CALDWELL, Idaho — A fallen Elm tree trapped two people inside their Caldwell home on Wednesday morning, with one resident suffering minor injuries.
"I literally jumped out the back bedroom window, says Sandra Ulloa. "It was traumatic."
When firefighters arrived on the scene, they found a huge spiral elm had toppled onto the Ulloa residence, trapping Sandra and Michael Ulloa inside.
EXCLUSIVE: Hear from the family who was trapped inside
Battalion Chief Eric Nye says his crew arrived within two minutes of getting the call, around 10:15 Wednesday morning.
They immediately contacted Idaho Power to cut off electricity as power lines were ripped off their poles and lying active on the ground.
"I ran through the front door and realized I couldn't get out safely, [I] ran through the back door and realized I couldn't get out safely," recalled Ulloa.
That's when she jumped out a window, screaming for help as her disabled veteran husband was stuck inside.
But Sandra says this all could've been prevented. She claims to have previously told the adjacent property owner, who owns the tree that collapsed on her car, that the tree needed trimming. She says those requests were ignored.
"It's still upsetting. I don't even want to go into that house," Ulloa added.
She was also admitted to the hospital after suffering minor injuries.
"I had hit the side of my head on the door frame trying to get out as fast as I could, and from jumping out the window, I messed up this area here," Ulloa said, pointing at her shoulder.
As she showed me the damage the tree had done, she added that her cat went missing after both doors were destroyed.
"It's always unfortunate and scary when things like this happen," said Paul Jones, an arborist with Parker Tree Service,
And although we don't know exactly what caused this tree to fall, Jones tells Idaho News 6 that in his two decades of experience, he often sees homeowners overlook important warning signs that a tree needs to be taken down.
"You can't always see on the outside. Elms are specifically susceptible to hardwood rot," explained Jones. "[And] they are very heavy trees."
"Something you want to watch for [is] if you see mushrooms, swelling or indentations [in the bark]" added Jones.
He encourages homeowners to trim trees regularly and get them professionally checked every few years.
"Especially if it's near a structure or a walking path, anything where there can be imminent danger to people or property or pets."
Crews decided to leave the tree in its current position as it posed no immediate safety risk. This decision also allows the homeowners to file proper claims with their insurance providers.
Sandra and Michele have set up a Gofundme in hopes to rebuild after the incident.
