COCHRANE - A Cochrane family is working to rebuild their lives after a fire destroyed their home last week.
Stephanie Loyer, her husband Eric Lamarche, and their three children lost their home, belongings, and pets in the fire, on Feb. 11, which broke out while they were away.
Their son, Brady, who had been home earlier in the day, left for a haircut around 11 a.m. and returned to find the house on fire.
“My son was actually going to try to go back in the house to save the animals, and I'm very thankful that he didn't because God knows what could happen,” Loyer told TimminsToday.
“Obviously somebody's watching over him.”
The fire started in the garage, which was attached to the house. While the exact cause is unknown, Loyer said the fire department suspects a possible electrical issue, potentially linked to mice in the garage.
“If this would have happened during the night, I don't think most of us would have made it out, just because of how fast it went,” she said.
Two dogs, Charlie and Jax, and four dwarf bunnies—Willow, Fluffy, Marshy, and Khaos—were inside the house and did not survive.
The family is currently staying with Loyer’s father and his girlfriend.
“We're going to stay with my dad because we have a camper out at a campground,” Loyer said.
“As soon as we're able to when it starts warming up, we're going to go stay at the camper, just to kind of have our own space.”
Loyer said they plan to rebuild their home on the same property.
Following the fire, the community has rallied to support the family.
“I'm so blown away at how the community has helped us with clothing and money and the support. We're so grateful,” she said.
Lamarche’s employer, Canadian Tire in Cochrane, has also contributed.
“We went and picked up a few things, and they’re working on setting us up to go shopping at Marks and Sports Chek in Timmins through corporation,” Loyer said.
A GoFundMe campaign started by a family member has raised more than $12,000 toward its $14,000 goal to help with immediate expenses.
Until their insurance claim is processed, the family is using the donations to purchase essentials.
“Because it was the carnival last weekend, the kids wanted to go do some stuff, so we had to replace all our winter gear,” Loyer said.
“We got a little fridge to put downstairs for us. So that money is probably going to be put away for when the house is rebuilt, then we can buy things here and there.”
Loyer said they are not currently in need of additional clothing or household donations.
“People are offering us couches and tables and dressers, but as of right now, I don't have the storage space, so we weren’t able to pick those things up. We’ve got so many toothbrushes, toothpaste, deodorants and that. So as of right now, we're okay,” she said.
Loyer said the fire has been difficult, but the family is focusing on next steps.
“We’re still struggling, but we’re doing okay,” she said.
Donations can be made through the GoFundMe campaign here.