OLIVER – Fire has gutted a home on Main Street in downtown Oliver, displacing a family of five and killing their cat.
The blaze broke out at about 6 a.m. Monday. According to reports, there was a party at the house Sunday night.
The residents were able to escape unharmed, but have lost all their household possessions.
“Our two girls, we can tell they’re really sad. They say they miss their home,” said Alice George-Thomas, “My son is 8 so he understands a little more, and he’s just in shock and he’ll just start crying.”
George-Thomas and her husband Edward Thomas moved into the home with their three children last August.
RCMP said the residence is a well-known drug house, however the family said they were not aware of the home’s drug trade history when they moved in.
“We do not associate with the people downstairs, but they do bring a lot of foot traffic around. It hasn’t been a lot of good traffic,” said Thomas.
Firefighters worked to stop the flames from spreading to adjacent buildings, including the Murray Block, which houses the offices of Liberal MLA Linda Larson.
However, the building was damaged by flames, smoke and water. The family’s vehicle was also destroyed in the blaze.
The family does not have insurance for their possessions.
A CIBC bank account has now been set up to help the family: 00450-8016585.
Their family friend, Shawna Michaud, is also accepting donations on their behalf: mich13@telus.net or 250-498-5523.
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