My name is Camille, I am the Sister/Sister-in-law of Bernadette (Berna) and Ernest (Ernie) Casados. I’m starting a GoFundMe Account on behalf of Berna and Ernie. On Thursday, February 2, 2023 at around 09:00 am their home at 1407 Paseo De Peralta, Santa Fe, NM caught fire. The exterior structure is still standing and some interior walls are intact, but unfortunately, they lost all else including appliances, home furnishings and personal items. The determination of cause is still under investigation. The home was built in 1875 mostly of adobe is part of the historical district in downtown Santa Fe. It was also where Ernie was raised along with his siblings. Their daughter (my niece) Jennifer was living in the home at the time along with her dog Nani and three cats Cash, Dinero and Chewy. Jennifer was getting ready for work Thursday morning when Ernie was sitting outside in his truck waiting to take Jennifer to work when he smelled smoke. At first, he thought smoke was coming from his truck. He proceeded to get out of his truck when he noticed smoke and fire coming from the front part of the house. He ran inside the house and yelled at Jennifer and “told her the house was on fire and to get out”. He ran through the house to try and rescue the dog and cats. As Ernie was trying to get the dog he tripped and fell but managed to crawl outside with the dog. When he went back in to the house to try and rescue the cats he could hear them crying but couldn’t see them. He was crawling on his hands and knees trying to find the cats, but by this time it was so hard to see anything except for dark smoke and fire. Ernie felt the heat on his back and neck so he had no choice but to escape out thru the side door. Our family is so thankful and blessed that Ernie and Jennifer were able to make it out safely without injuries. We can’t say thank you enough to the Santa Fe Fire Department, Paramedics for their expedient response and rescuing two of the cats Cash and Dinero, providing oxygen and water for them, as well as treating Ernie and Jennifer on-site for their medical needs. Unfortunately, Chewy is still missing. Thank you to the Veterinarians who took wonderful care of Cash and Dinero at the pet hospital.

Ernie and Berna had recently inherited this home and had it transferred into their name. Unfortunately, the home wasn’t insured yet so this has left them with a huge financial burden. It is unfortunate that such catastrophes occur and instantaneously at that. We greatly appreciate your blessings, concern and understanding and any monetary assistance you can provide will be greatly appreciated. It will not go unnoticed of your generosity and the Casados family and extended families will pay it forward.