Support for Family After Devastating Fire

Sunday morning, around 6:30 am, I woke up to grab a glass of water and get ready for church. Unfortunately, little did I know that action would strongly impact my future. All of a sudden the fire alarms started blaring. My sister came down the stairs to see what was going on, when out of no where this thick, black smoke started bellowing out of the basement. Having little time to react, my sister tried to grab our dog, but unfortunately he was confused on what was going on and didn’t run out of the house with us.

I called 911 and the fire team arrived shortly after, taking control of the situation. Fortunately, our neighbors were kind enough to let us stay in their house until everything was sorted out. But sadly our house is completely destroyed, and our dog, Bailey, didn’t make it.

This fundraiser is to help my parents who are financially stressed, and to also help the whole situation, which frankly, has impacted all of us children as well. My mom and dad raised twelve children in this house, with 7 of us still living at home. It is full of memories for us all and it will be very hard to “never go home again.”

We are grateful that most of the family was out of the house that morning and we still have all the people in our family with us. God was certainly watching over us and we have hope that all things happen for a reason. Sometimes that is hard to see through the ashes, but we know that there is a light at the end of this tragedy.

I would also like to thank everyone who has helped and continues to help. From offers of places to stay to meals being delivered every night, you all have no idea how much this has helped Mom and Dad who need to deal all day with the details of putting these pieces back together. This means a lot to me and my family, kindness and community matters in dire and devastating situations, like this one. Thank you all.

After calling 911, the fire departments showed up extremely quickly, they managed to put out the fire in the basement before it spread everywhere else. Unfortunately, the black smoke created by the fire spread all over the interior of the home, meaning it will have to be replaced in its entirety, including all walls and floors. We found out recently from the insurance inspector that the fire damaged much of the structure in the basement, which means the house could possibly be deemed as totaled, and will most likely be demolished.

I will try to keep everyone updated.

-Josh and Bella Hickman