WESTBRIDGE – It has been almost two weeks since the Rock reek wildfire broke out, leaving a wanton path of devastation in its wake.
Thirty homes were destroyed along with many other buildings and people’s lives were forever altered. Now, for the fire victims, it’s time to begin the rebuilding.
On Tuesday, Lorne Simpson and Janice Thomson were sifting through the blackened wreckage of their house that burned to the ground along with a workshop, garage and barn.
“This was our forever home, this was our dream place,” says Thomson. “It’s amazing. One moment you have a normal life and by the afternoon you have nothing.”
Remarkably, amongst the fire ravaged debris, the couple finds a few remnants of their possessions including a teapot, candle holder and the ashes of a Book of Scriptures with a few words still visible.
“We’ve had our moments when you cry about it but we still have our children and the dogs are safe. it’s just one of those things,” says Thomson.
“Like she said, we have our moments of depression,” adds Simpson. “But somehow I manage to laugh about it. When I’m laughing, it helps me come out of that depression so that’s what I do.”
The couple has insurance coverage and will rebuild.
“We’re going to make it our forever home once again and have everybody back out. It’s going to be beautiful,” says Thomson.
The couple bought the property and moved into the house a month before it burned to the ground.
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