Jeff and Britany Embree lost everything they owned when their home burned to the ground in the early morning hours of Sept. 2.
Jeff’s sister, Tamara Giles, says her brother and niece were away from the home when the fire occurred, and their two cats and a dog managed to escape through the dog door.
Giles adds the fire was discovered by a passer-by around 1:30 a.m. and called 9-1-1, which garnered a response by the 100 Mile House RCMP, the forest Grove Volunteer Fire Depart-ment and 100 Mile House Fire-Rescue.
She notes the RCMP was first on the scene and she was told it’s believed the fire started in the kitchen area because that was the part of the building that was burning. She adds the building was completely destroyed and was informed it would be impossible to determine the cause.
Jeff and the animals are staying at his parents’ home in the 108 and Britany, who graduates from PSO this year, is staying with a friend.
Giles says they have received clothing from area thrift stores, and businesses and members of the public have offered furniture and household goods. However, they could really use a place to store it, she adds.
Meanwhile, Giles has set up a PayPal account (e-mail giles4@live.ca) for anyone who would like to donate some money to the family, and says she is looking into starting a trust fund at one of the local financial institutions.
For more information contact Giles at 250-459-2090.