Two quick-thinking teens saved lives by alerting neighbors to a devastating, non-suspicious house fire in Little Current. Two families lost all belongings, and community fundraisers are active.
MANITOULIN鈥擳wo families are facing the overwhelming task of rebuilding after a devastating fire in Little Current destroyed a home on the evening of June 2鈥攐ne of the residents of the fire and the other family staying in an Airbnb while visiting the Island.
Northeastern Manitoulin and the Islands fire chief Duane Deschamps confirmed that the location of the start of the blaze has been determined, although not yet the exact cause. He added that the fire was not deemed to be suspicious in nature.
The fast-moving fire tore through the Draper Street West residence of Evan, Bre and their 20-month-old daughter, Eden. The family, along with their beloved dog Nala, managed to escape the burning structure safely. However, the blaze left the home a total loss, destroying all of their belongings and leaving them with only the clothes on their backs.
While the family does have insurance, community members have quickly rallied to help ease the immediate financial burden while claims are processed. A GoFundMe campaign organized by friends and family notes that the household lost everything鈥攊ncluding furniture, personal items, clothing, pet items, and vital baby supplies for young Eden.
鈥淲hile lives were spared, their home and belongings were not,鈥 the fundraiser organizers shared. 鈥淭his fundraiser is intended to provide emergency relief and help ease the financial burden during these first difficult days and weeks.鈥
Two youths, Keynan and Kamia, are being credited with alerting neighbouring houses along the street and helping to getting their neighbours out of their houses in case the fire spread.
Local residents looking to support the Little Current family during this critical transition can donate to the online campaign, which is raising funds for immediate day-to-day necessities, temporary accommodation, food, and clothing. Community members are also encouraged to share the fundraiser link to help spread the word.
The MacWhinney family that was staying downstairs in the house was also impacted by the fire to a lesser extent.