Thomas Family House Fire Assistance

On the morning of Saturday, January 6th, Travis Thomas, his wife Ariel and their son Mason (3 yrs old) lost their home in fire. Travis is an Operator I with Carolina Water Service of NC (CWSNC) in Banner Elk, North Carolina, where he has worked for more than 5 years. This Go Fund Me account has been established on behalf of Travis and his family to provide anyone interested in helping a means to do so.

About the Fire
At 6:30am on Saturday, January 6, Travis woke up to what he thought was a cell phone alarm going off. After checking his phone, Travis realized it was the dining room smoke alarm, not his cell phone that had woke him up. 

Thinking the wind had just blown smoke back down his chimney, Travis began venting his home, opening doors and windows and turning on ceiling fans to clear the smoke. As he walked back through his home, he noticed the smoke begining to thicken. Travis called Neil Reece (his Area Manager at CWSNC) and a first responder for the vounteer Elk Park Fire Department that serves Travis’ home. 

After explaining the situation to Neil over the phone, Travis walked outside to examine the chimney. Instead of smoke coming from the chimney, Travis noticed heavy smoke rolling out of the vents of his attic. After hearing the description of what Travis saw, Neil instructed Travis to get everyone out of the home and dial 911. Travis was able to get his family out of the house safely. Firemen showed up shortly after and put out the fire. The home was determined to be a total loss.

How to Help
The Thomas' family home and personal property was a total loss. At this point they are still trying to determine what they need most. That's what makes contributing to this Go Fund Me campaign the best way to help!

While it has been difficult to lose almost everything, the Thomas family feels fortunate that no one was injured. So far, their small, close knit town has provided some help. They've had family, friends and members of the community reach out and donate clothing and some toys for their son.

Travis and his family know they'll never be able to thank each and every person who donates or has provided assistance so far. They would like anyone who helps to know that they will forever be grateful for the help they have provided during this difficult time.

About Travis and His Family
Travis Thomas and his wife Ariel are the parents of an amazing three (3) year old boy that they think the world of! Ariel just finished her LPN in December and is planning on going into an RN program starting in 2019. 

Their little boy Mason is full of life and ALL BOY! He loves to get in the mud play outside every chance he gets he is big into trains, trackers, trackhoes, backhoes and anything else that moves dirt! He their our world for sure.

Travis and Ariel are involved with their small country church, where they have helped with bible school  for the past two years. Faith is important to their family and it has been strengthened by this experience. They continue to be grateful that despite the loss of their personal possessions, they were able to walk away with their health and safety.

On behalf of the Travis Family, thank you for any help you are able to provide. Every little bit helps and they are forever grateful!