It is one of our most common nightmares. Imagine yourself awakened in the middle of the night. You can smell smoke.
A possibility that you have long dreaded has come upon you. Your home is on fire and you have to get out...NOW.
For one local family, this traumatic scenario became reality. Jacquie Fargo, Zeph LaRivierre and their family Darrien Ruthven (15), Ava Ruthven (11), Kenzie La Rivierre (3) and Kelly LaRivierre (2), lost their home to fire on December 11th. At a benefit held (at the Kipling Community Centre on December 15th) to assist the family Jacquie recounted the event for the Citizen:
“It was a chimney fire. Everyone else was already in bed...it was midnight. But, I was still up. That never happens. Usually, we'd all be in bed by then. But THAT night I was still awake. I was just trying to catch up on a
couple of things when I smelled the smoke. ”
Though the family lost their home and possessions Jacquie counts that loss as minor compared to the tragedy that, thankfully, her family was able to avoid.
“I called 911. We got everyone out of the house. I have 4 children. And I actually had an extra child sleeping in the house that night. It was my oldest daughter's birthday that weekend. But, we all got out safely. That's what really matters.”
Jacquie has nothing but praise for the firefighters that answered the call that night.
“The Kipling Fire Department were right there...they got to our place within about 15 minutes at most. They tried hard. They did their best.”
People in the community were quick to respond. Jackie says that she and her family have been touched by the support they've received.
“People have been SO quick to reach out and offer help. The kids went back to school on Wednesday (December 14th) and Darrien's class (Grades 8-9 split) were already organizing this benefit for us. Sandy Ede helped them out, but the kids were the backbone of this. They organized this whole thing within 3 days!”
Along with the benefit held in Kipling, Jacquie notes that many people from other communities in the area also offered their help.
“People from Wawota and Kenosee Lake sent us two loads of stuff right off the bat. And there have been SO many other people offering us stuff or offering to do whatever they can to help.”
At this point, Jacquie notes that the family has received sufficient donations of clothing and other items to see them through the Christmas season.
“As far as material stuff, we have all we need right now. We're also going to be able to move into a furnished house in Kipling on December 22nd. That will be a good thing. My priority right now is to try and get my kids back
into their normal schedule. They need some 'normal' back in their lives...we all do.”
For Jacquie, the experience has felt almost surreal.
“The past few days have been overwhelming. There have been times when I've joined in to help someone else. It feels very strange to be on the receiving end of so much generosity. But, I want people to know we're very grateful.
It is good to know that you have so many people around you that really do care.”
