GLOUCESTER COUNTY, Va. (WAVY) — A family in Gloucester County is trying to rebuild after a devastating fire ripped through their home nearly a week ago.
Frank and Blanche West have lived in their home off Perrin Creek in Hayes for 15 years.
Blanche said she was home last Wednesday when she smelled smoke.
“I thought someone was burning a trash fire.”
When the smell got stronger, she went to check on it and found flames coming from her son’s back bedroom. Mrs. West said she then ran across the street to call 911.
Abingdon Volunteer Fire and Rescue responded around 2 p.m. and it took two hours and 17 firefighters to bring it under control.
Mr. West, who was at Walmart at the time, said he rushed home when he heard what happened.
“I couldn’t believe it. It just … it didn’t seem real. I just left there a few minutes before that. No more than 20, 30 minutes before that,” he said.
Mr. West said seeing the fire brought back memories of when the family lost their home during Hurricane Isabel.
It’s been rough for the family, who’s been staying in a hotel with money from the Red Cross, according to the Wests.
On top of that, Mr. West has COPD and doesn’t have insurance on the home.
The Wests said that their son also lost $800 worth of Christmas presents he bought.
While they’re not sure what they’re going to do next, the family, which had six people living in the home, hope to rebuild.
But they need help.
“I’m trying to find someone to help build this back. If I can get anyone that can do that,” he said.
The family is also in need of clothes donations.
If you’d like to help, click here.
