Thankful for lives in Thanksgiving fire

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Published on Monday, October 19, 2015

By Sheila Runions

Banner Staff

Jennifer Pearson and her three children, aged six to 11, had a Thanksgiving they won’t soon forget. At 10:50 a.m. on Monday, Oct. 12 Rivers-Daly Volunteer Fire Department was called to their home to extinguish a fire which started in a child’s bedroom at the southeast side of the residence. Quick and efficient action by the department saved the bulk of the 310 Fourth Avenue house, which is owned by Manitoba Housing Authority. While the structure still stands, Manitoba Housing has not yet determined if it is worth the cost to restore and repair, or to destroy it — smoke damage is extreme.

Cause is still under investigation through a partnership with the local department, the fire commissioner’s office and an insurance adjustor. Estimated damage is also unknown as it is not yet determined if some items will be cleaned and deemed safe or if products must be purchased. Manitoba Housing insured the building but Jennifer did not have contents insurance.

When neighbours noticed Jennifer standing outside in bare feet, they provided footwear. The community as a whole was so generous that a post was made on social media to stop bringing clothing.

Sister Tammy Machut says, “Within two hours I had 30 bags of clothing dropped off; the only thing that is lacking now is winter jackets, boots and snow pants for the two younger children, but those are easy to get because people have told us where there’s Coats for Kids.”

The family spent a few evenings at dad/grandpa Rod Pearson’s home a half-mile northeast of Rivers. By Wednesday, Oct. 14 Jennifer had confirmed with a new landlord (Colin and Ann Hunter)that she would be moving into the 400 block of Second Avenue.

Fire Chief Dennis Jahns was “really proud of the guys because it was really windy and because of the proximity of the next house. We left the scene at 11:30 a.m.; it was good work.”