Help Our Family Rebuild After Devastating House Fire

Thank you for taking the time to read this GoFundMe I’ve created for my family during an unimaginable time of loss and uncertainty.

In the early hours of May 8th, around 3:00 AM, my parents’ home near Ben Burr Park in Spokane was completely destroyed by a devastating fire. They lost everything — their home, their belongings, and most heartbreakingly, our beloved dog, Sally, and our cat, Jimmy.

Even more tragic, our father, John, was found unconscious from smoke inhalation and is currently in the ICU in a medically induced coma.

What Happened

My mom, Sharon, was awakened by the sound of breaking glass. When she went upstairs to investigate, she saw an orange glow and immediately realized the house was on fire. She rushed downstairs, kicked out her bedroom window screen, and got out of the house.

She then saw my dad at an upstairs window, trying to get out. Because of his mobility issues and my mom being able to lift his heavy painting ladders, he couldn’t escape that way. He tried another route, but was overcome by toxic smoke while attempting to exit through the front door.

Firefighters found him unconscious, performed a life-saving emergency tracheotomy on the scene to open his airway, and rushed him to Sacred Heart Medical Center.

John’s Current Condition

John remains in the ICU, on a ventilator. He was initially placed on 100% oxygen and treated for cyanide poisoning with multiple rounds of sodium nitrate. As of May 10th, his oxygen level had been reduced to 50% to support a specific lab value, not because of respiratory decline.

A complication—a tear near his tracheotomy site—required stitches to ensure he receives full ventilation. He has shown some positive signs, like opening his eyes and wiggling his toes, but he’s not yet able to squeeze our hands.

Doctors won’t be able to assess the extent of any brain damage or the scope of recovery until he fully wakes up. He won’t be able to leave the ICU until he can eat, drink, and use the restroom independently.

We are visiting again this evening, May 11th, and remain hopeful for continued signs of healing.

How You Can Help

To make things even more difficult, both of our family’s vehicles were destroyed in the fire. Although they had basic car insurance, they didn’t have comprehensive coverage, meaning they will not be reimbursed for this loss. They’re now left without transportation and facing countless immediate needs — medical bills, temporary housing, and daily living costs — all while trying to navigate the loss of their home.

Thankfully, their home was insured and the fire should be covered, but there are still deductibles, delays, and upfront expenses as they begin the long process of recovery.

While I’ve been in Spokane, I’ve helped secure a restoration company to begin assessing the damage, a contents crew to evaluate their remaining belongings, and arranged for temporary housing. But while these companies are booked, we are waiting on insurance in order to have everyone come out to the property we need an insurance adjuster to come with all of the other companies. This is going to take time — and they need support now.

We’re humbly asking for your help. Whether through a donation or simply sharing this campaign, your support can make a world of difference as we take the first steps toward rebuilding.

We are devastated, but incredibly grateful to still have each other. Your kindness, love, and prayers are deeply appreciated and will carry us through this incredibly difficult time.

With heartfelt gratitude,

Ashley (daughter), Joshua (son), and Sharon & John Talbot