Despite losing their home, and all but one of their pets to fire, Oct. 17, Deb Fisher and grandchildren, Nevaeh and Dominic, are grateful for a community that has opened its arms to them.
Speaking from the Pinestone Resort and Conference Centre, where they are currently staying, Fisher said it’s been nothing but “how can we help?” since last Tuesday’s blaze at their more than a century year old home between Minden and Kinmount.
Their priority was housing and the Red Cross, Haliburton 4Cs Food Bank and Lily Ann, and Adult Alternative Education Centre stepped up. Nevaeh and Dominic go to the AAEC.
In addition, a friend has set up a bank account for donations, there is a GoFundMe, and calls on social media to help the family with items they may need. Hook, Line and Sinker held a fundraiser this past Saturday night, as Nevaeh works there.
“I’m just blown away,” Fisher said of the support. The three were not home at the time of the morning fire, as Fisher had driven the teens to adult ed.
She got a call from a neighbour. At first, she thought the friend was joking but it was no joke.
Minden Hills fire Chief Shain Duda said they arrived shortly after noon to smoke up by the eaves. He said he and the deputy chief entered the building and a dog ran out the door. He said the house was filled with smoke from floor to ceiling. They located fire in a downstairs bedroom, which Duda said was caused by electrical
They were able to put out the main fire but it continued to smoulder in the old wooden house.
After ensuring no people were present, they did their best to save several household pets, including two other dogs, five cats and two rabbits. They did CPR on some of the animals but the smoke inhalation was too bad. While continuing to put out hotspots, they helped the family – which had returned home – bury its deceased pets. Duda said the house is no longer liveable and will have to be boarded up.
Fisher said she couldn’t say enough about Duda and his crew. “He did CPR on my bulldog, they helped us bury our animals, and went out and got us (food) afterwards.” Neveah’s dog, Bear, did survive.
Fisher said they will be allowed to return to the site to see what can be salvaged, such as family photos. For now, they are somewhat stranded after a car accident rendered their vehicle unuseable. She added the house was 133 years old. She has been living there since 2002.
Can you imagine the stories that came out of that house? I cannot even imagine it.”
They are hoping to find a rental but for now are just getting over the shock and grieving the loss of house and pets. It feels strange to the three.
Fisher said people keep asking what they need, “and I’m saying I don’t know. Today somebody asked if I’d replaced my medication and I said ‘no’.
If you want to reach out to Fisher, to find out what the family needs, email her at debster1tou@yahoo.ca.
